Two local veterans received awards for outstanding service during a special ceremony Thursday.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Susan Branam, director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, presented the 2023 Buffalo Soldiers Award to Staff Sgt. Sherlie Louis and Army veteran Lee Edward Burns Sr.

A Buffalo Soldier was a nickname given to African American cavalry who served the United States Army during the 1800s. They were noted for their courage and discipline.

Rockland County presents the award annually to outstanding African American veterans who live in the county.