Beyond Blue and Gray: The Bold Legacy of the Civil War Zouaves
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sat, 05/23/2026
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Historic Concordia Cemetery, 438 Walden Avenue, Buffalo, invites the public to attend its annual Memorial Day Commemoration on Saturday, May 23 beginning at 10:00 AM, honoring the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans. The remembrance ceremony will be hosted by the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post No. 24. Immediately following the ceremony, guests are encouraged to stay for a unique and engaging living history presentation titled “Beyond Blue and Gray: The Bold Legacy of the Civil War Zouaves.”
Step beyond the familiar story of Civil War uniforms and battles to uncover the fascinating legacy of the Zouaves—one of the war’s most distinctive fighting forces. This immersive experience features a first-person portrayal of Carl Ey, a soldier from Company G of the 74th New York Regiment, also known as the Eagle Zouaves, who is interred at Concordia Cemetery.
Formed from volunteers of Buffalo’s Eagle Hose Company, the Eagle Zouaves became known for their striking appearance. Their uniforms—red trousers trimmed in yellow, dark blue jackets with red accents, white leggings, and tasseled caps—set them apart visually.
The Zouaves trace their origins to elite Algerian fighters adopted by the French Army and introduced to American military observers during the Crimean War. In 1855, U.S. Army Captain George McClellan witnessed these troops in action and praised them as “the finest light infantry that Europe can produce.” Inspired by their discipline and flair, Zouave units soon formed across both Northern and Southern states.
By the outbreak of the Civil War, approximately 100 Zouave regiments had taken shape. Known for their acrobatic drills and spirited cries of “zoo-zoo-zoo,” these soldiers fought in many of the war’s most significant engagements, including First Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Appomattox. Their legacy is remarkable: the first Union officer killed in action, the first recipient of the Medal of Honor, and one of the last Union soldiers to fall before the war’s end were all Zouaves.
This presentation brings their story to life through vivid storytelling, historical insight, and living history interpretation—offering audiences a deeper understanding of a unique chapter in Civil War history.
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