Topeka ? A graveside service at a Topeka cemetery will open three days of events honoring the service of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

The unit of black soldiers was organized in 1862 and saw its first action that year in Missouri. The battle occurred nine months before the first battle in South Carolina involving the 54th Massachusetts unit, subject of the 1989 film “Glory.”

Friday’s ceremony will be held at Topeka’s Mount Auburn Cemetery. Civil War re-enactors and members of the Kansas Army National Guard will take part.

A living history program will be held Friday evening followed by another program Saturday evening, both at Cushinberry Park.