First Foot Soldiers

The First Foot Soldiers event in Kirkwall commemorates the peaceful protesters who advanced civil rights in St. Augustine, Florida, during the early 1960s. Attendees can explore the historic Plaza de la Constitución, where the St. Augustine Foot Soldiers Monument stands, featuring four life-size bronze portraits of anonymous foot soldiers. The monument, designed by sculptor Brian R. Owens, includes a relief illustrating a protest in the same plaza.

The event offers a chance to learn about the local civil rights history, including the role of the Woolworths lunch counter and the Monson Motor Lodge. The Plaza itself is one of the oldest public parks in the US, with a complex history that includes a Slave Market structure. Visitors can reflect on the contributions of foot soldiers like Barbara H. Vickers, who conceived the monument project in 2005.

This gathering provides an educational and reflective atmosphere, ideal for those interested in American history and social justice. The monument's location near the former Woolworths and the Slave Market offers a tangible connection to the past, making it a meaningful stop for travelers exploring Kirkwall.