TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas National Guard welcomed four new members into its Hall of Fame Sunday Afternoon.

Friends, family and fellow servicemen and women of the honorees gathered for the ceremony at the downtown Ramada.

Kansas native and civil war cavalry scout, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was inducted.

Along with retired Col. Charles R. Rayl, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Warren “Bud” Smith.

Last, Cpl James Whitfield Ross, who was born into slavery and fought with the Union army in the Civil War, was also inducted; his great-great grand daughter accepted the honor on his behalf.

Lt. Col. Rex Johnson said how glad the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame Museum was to have family of the inductees present Sunday afternoon.

“They can see how the contributions of their family members or ancestors have paid to the Kansas National Guard, and to the effort that we’ve had to our national defense.”

Before each recipient was honored and spoke, a brief video-biography of their life and service was shown.

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson congratulated the inductees via a video message.