Black veterans honored at Mount Moor Cemetery Veterans Day ceremony
Memorial plaque unveiled to recognize local veterans who helped preserve historic cemetery and its legacy
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Generations of Black servicemen were honored during a Veterans Day ceremony at Mount Moor Cemetery in West Nyack, a national historic site where African Americans who served from the Civil War through the Korean War are buried.
A memorial plaque was unveiled to honor several local veterans who have passed away and who worked to preserve the cemetery's history and legacy.
Organizers shared that the plaque recognizes:
Hezekiah Easter Jr., Corporal, U.S. Army, a World War II veteran and the first African American elected to public office in Rockland County. Easter led the successful effort to protect Mount Moor Cemetery during development of the Palisades Center and helped preserve the burial ground where members of his own family are buried.
David C. Smith, Captain, U.S. Army, a Vietnam veteran, businessman and community advocate known as “The Captain” and “Commander.” Smith devoted years to caring for Mount Moor Cemetery and raising public awareness of its historical significance. He also supported veterans' organizations and the Buffalo Soldiers.
Charles H. Butler Sr., Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, who served in the Air National Guard and was recognized for his contributions to family, community service and preservation efforts in Rockland County.
Sanders H. Matthews Sr., Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, a Buffalo Soldier who served with the 10th Cavalry Regiment and later became a respected horsemanship instructor associated with the United States Military Academy. Organizers said his life connected the historic service of the Buffalo Soldiers with the education of future generations.
Joseph Dunn, Corporal, U.S. Army, a community leader and preservationist who co-founded the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point and helped establish memorial traditions honoring African American military service.
Kerney Oby, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, a veteran, youth mentor and basketball coach who served families and community organizations throughout Rockland County.
Grady F. Anderson Jr., Specialist Five, U.S. Army, a veteran, historian and former commander of Moscarella Post 199 who dedicated years to Buffalo Soldier programming and Mount Moor Cemetery activities, helping carry the responsibility of remembrance from one generation to the next.
Others said they will continue that mission.
"A cemetery makes a perpetual promise to those laid to rest in it. We will protect your resting place and keep your stories alive," said Bill Batson, president of the Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery. "It's our turn to keep that promise and teach the next generation to carry it forward."
The ceremony also highlighted the story of Pompey Lamb, an enslaved man who contributed to the Patriots' victory at the Battle of Stony Point in 1779.
According to Jamila Shabazz Brathwaite of the African American Historical Society of Rockland County, Lamb learned important military information while selling produce to British soldiers and "shared that information with his master."
She added, "On the night of July 15, 1779, Pompey is believed to have helped guide American forces under General Wayne Anthony to the causeway. Providing intelligence that contributed to the successful assault on Stony Point."
She said Lamb's story has been told over the years as an oral history, and military records exist documenting Lamb.
Brathwaite said the stories of African descendants who served are often overlooked and not mentioned in history books.
"These are stories about African descendant people who we really don't know. Their names don't make it into the history books. But they dedicated their lives, their service, to this country and to their efforts for freedom," Brathwaite said.
Other veterans were also recognized during the ceremony for their service to both the nation and the local community.
Those honored included Army Master Sergeant Jeffery T. Campbell, along with special recognition for Army veterans Rev. Lee Burns Sr. and Rev. Dr. Edgar W. Howard.
Mount Moor Cemetery is located near the Palisades Center mall off Route 59 in West Nyack.
