Troy commissioners plan July 18 unveiling of Ohio historical marker honoring Black Civil War soldiers

Members of the Troy Human Relations Commission said they will coordinate a July 18 unveiling of an Ohio historical marker recognizing African American soldiers from Troy who mustered out to fight in the Civil War. Commissioners discussed logistics, including invitations and military honors. Commission members asked to compile a list of organizations and individuals to invite — including descendants, local historic-preservation contacts and military representatives — and to coordinate planning by email with city staff. One commissioner described the group as similar to the regiment portrayed in the film Glory and said the bronze state marker has been procured. Commissioners agreed the city would assist with placement and that the commission would take the lead on outreach and ceremony details. The commission discussed contacting local military officials to advise on honors such as a gun salute and suggested including descendants in the ceremony. Members named contributors to contact, including Ben Southerly, Troy Preservation and several volunteers who helped research the marker. Commissioners said they would assemble a contact list and set smaller planning meetings as needed; no formal vote was recorded on the program content.