In a poignant effort to honor the legacy of Sandy Wills, a Civil War veteran, an archaeology team has embarked on a challenging mission to locate his remains for a proper military burial. Dr. Birx, an expert consulted in the endeavor, cautioned that the search would be fraught with difficulties due to the silty soil composition, which is not conducive to bone preservation.

Sandy Wills, whose name is memorialized at the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C., fought valiantly for freedom, and his story is a testament to the sacrifices made by African American soldiers during the Civil War. The team’s commitment to uncovering the truth and providing Wills with the dignity he deserves reflects a broader recognition of the contributions of Black soldiers in American history.

Last October, the team presented their case to a judge in Brownsville, Tennessee, articulating their intentions to honor this American hero. The court granted permission for the excavation, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and preserving the legacies of those who fought for justice and equality.

As the team prepares to begin their work, they are determined to ensure that Sandy Wills receives the military honors he earned, including a 21-gun salute from the U.S. military. This mission not only seeks to recover Wills' remains but also aims to shed light on the historical significance of African American contributions to the nation’s past.