In 1976, a group of cavalrymen met to assess the status of preservation initiatives relating to the history, equipment, literature, traditions, and heritage of the Cavalry. Their findings were not encouraging; many significant reminders of the past presented by artifacts, documents, and photographs of the Cavalry simply vanished or had been discarded, their value unrecognized. To safeguard the legacy of the Cavalry and to halt the grievous losses diminishing the cultural substance of our country’s rich past, the US Cavalry Association was formed that year. From that small group of cavalrymen, the Association has grown to a diverse and unique organization, national in scope, striving to preserve the Cavalry heritage.
The major objective of the Association is the preservation of a heritage focused
on the individualism and resourcefulness epitomized by the U.S. Cavalry and
reflected in the combined skill of man and horse or of man and machine.
From across the country, thousands have “joined the
Cavalry”. They have joined the cause to preserve a colorful part of America’s
past. This is your opportunity to become a “Trooper”,
to assume the time honored title conferred upon every member of the US Cavalry Association - a title that you can bear with pride.
We welcome all individuals having an interest in preserving the history and
heritage of the Cavalry, young or old, civilian or military. We welcome those
who are interested in genealogy, to help in establishing Cavalry connections
in that field. We solicit the membership of memorial mounted units or reenactment
groups that help keep alive the proud history of the Cavalry. We encourage the
membership of equestrians whose interest is in recognizing the Cavalry’s
contributions to horsemanship and horsemastership. We welcome cavalrymen of
yesteryear and today, to help us keep alive the traditions and spirit of the
Cavalry.
We are sponsors of the U.S. Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley,
Kansas, part of the Army Museum System, housed in the historic building that
once was the headquarters of the famous U.S. Army Cavalry School. We assist
in the preservation and display of priceless Cavalry artifacts from the Revolutionary
War to modern time. Each year the Museum attracts nearly 100,000 visitors.
The U.S. Cavalry Memorial Research Library, opened
to the general public, is a repository of historical Cavalry literature and
documents. As part of the Library, we are developing a one-of-a-kind computer
data bank of biographical and genealogical information on cavalrymen of all
ranks and of all times. The Library serves as a center for disseminating Cavalry
history and providing information to members and the general public. Other important
functions of the Library include searching out, acquiring, and restoring Cavalry
documents,, photographs, and publications. The resources of the Library help
educate the public about the Cavalry’s role in America’s history.
We publish The Cavalry Journal, a quarterly magazine, which contains historical
information on the Cavalry and the Crossed Sabers newsletter that serves as
a medium for keeping Association members informed.
We produce and collect films and videos that stimulate interest in Cavalry history.
We assist Modern Cavalry units in fostering the traditions and esprit de corps
of the U.S. Cavalry, past, present and future.
We encourage and assist in the formation of Memorial Cavalry Units and Cavalry
Reenactment Groups who provide a living history of the Cavalry.
We provide annual awards to the Army R.O.T.C. cadets and the Pony Clubs of America.
You will feel the pride and satisfaction that comes with
personal involvement in the historic preservation activities of the Association.
You will receive our quarterly Cavalry Journal and the quarterly Crossed Sabers
newsletter, and a yearly report of the Association’s
accomplishments, plus other items in your new membership package.
You may select the type of membership that will best enhance your interest in
the heritage of the Cavalry.
You may purchase books, videos, and other items offered by the Sutlers
Store.
While attending the Annual Cavalry Bivouac, an organizational convention not
a camp out, you will enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of others who share
your interests, the hospitality that has become a Bivouac tradition, and a four-day
celebration featuring lively programs in historic settings.
The Association qualifies under par. 501 (c) (3) of the
IRS Code as a nonprofit educational organization. Part of your dues and other
contributions are tax deductible. Association dues are established by the membership
at large and are kept low by major dependence on volunteer efforts of dedicated
troopers assisted by a small professional staff.
Thousands of Americans recognizing the Cavalry’s contribution to our Nation’s
history, have rallied to the Association’s cause. As a trooper and valued
member, you will participate in the historic preservation of part of our country’s
heritage. By joining our ranks, you can become a spiritual heir of the generations
of troopers, who followed the red and white guidons of the U.S. Cavalry.
This is your invitation to join these ranks and this cause. This is your opportunity
to become a “Trooper,” the time honored title conferred upon every
member of the Association: a title that you can bear with pride.
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