“We represent the only black unit from Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin that actually fought in the Civil War. We know that this American hero laid in an unmarked grave for over 100 years. That is why we are here, to finally give Private Reed the long overdue military honors he deserved as an American fighting man.”
– Ricky Townsell
Private William Reed of Company F, 29th Infantry Regiment of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) is one of only two Colored Union soldiers buried at Forest Home Cemetery. A memorial headstone was finally installed at his unmarked grave on May 30, funded by members of his company’s re-enactment group.
