Park Conversations: Remembering and Honoring the Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment
As stewards of the historic site of Camp Logan, Memorial Park Conservancy invites you to participate in our annual Park Conversations Audio Experience, entitled “Remembering and Honoring the Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment.” Memorial Park Conservancy is hosting an opening reception on Fri., Aug. 23 from 6-8 p.m. in Live Oak Court at Clay Family Eastern Glades. The free public event will feature refreshments on a first-come, first-served basis, live entertainment and the first opportunity to experience the month-long interactive audio exhibition, listening to the words of descendants and community members whose reflections help provide context and insights to this tragedy and its aftermath.
Additional program partners include Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin (District C), Harris County Precinct Four Commissioner Lesley Briones, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, NAACP Houston and Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
*Parental discretion is advised due to the sensitive nature of the audio content in the audio exhibit.
Parking: Clay Family Eastern Glades has parking on-site. Parking is $2 for 3 hours and is available on a first come, first served basis.
Self-Guided Audio Exhibit is open Wednesday, August 23 through September 30. Free and open to the public – registration is not required. Location: Clay Family Eastern Glades in Memorial Park
This installation honors the U.S. Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment who served their country while guarding the construction of Camp Logan in 1917. Following the events of August 23, 1917, 110 of these soldiers were unfairly tried, convicted and court-martialed in the aftermath of what was formerly known as the “Houston Mutiny and Riots of 1917.” Of these 110 soldiers, 19 were executed, and 63 were given life sentences in federal prison.
More than a century later, history continues to be made. On November 13, 2023, during an unprecedented announcement, the U.S. Army set aside the wrongful convictions of these 110 soldiers, granting each of them honorable discharge. The Army also declared their commitment to providing survivor benefits to the families of these soldiers. And finally, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, they outlined their plans to properly memorialize the soldiers, a promise they honored on February 22, 2024, during a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas where the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration dedicated new headstones for 17 of the 19 unjustly executed soldiers. The headstones now show the soldiers’ ranks, signifying their dedication, leadership and commitment to duty.
Hear the stories of the 24th Infantry Regiment
Through ten onsite audio experiences, you will hear from descendants and community members connected to these events, reflecting on their impact over a century later. You’ll also hear moments from the historic ceremonies where honor was returned to these brave soldiers. These audio stories will be available from August 23 – September 30.
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