CONCORD, N.C. -- A former slave buried in Monroe received a special honor on Friday from the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.

This week, members of the group from across the country are meeting in Concord, and on Friday they recognized the service of Weary Clyburn – a South Carolina slave who fought in the Civil War alongside his master’s son.

“That's a commonly overlooked fact of the war, is that there were thousands and thousands of slaves and free people of color that acted in various capacities throughout the course of the war,” said Earl Ijames, who is an expert on the history of the Southern Civil War soldiers called Colored Confederates.

“…Whereas Weary Clyburn of Company E 12th Regiment South Carolina Infantry fought bravely and rescued his wounded master from the battlefield,” read one attendee at the event.

Clyburn saved the life of his master’s son twice while serving in the Confederate Army.

“Thousands and thousands of African-Americans served under the Confederate battle flag on the field of honor,” explained Kevin Adkins of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, “fighting for their Southern homeland, just like their white neighbors were doing.”

Clyburn’s ancestors were honored by the recognition and the acceptance by the Confederate organization. His gravesite in Monroe now carries special designation as a soldier with the Confederate Army.

Clyburn’s 87-year-old daughter was supposed to attend the event, but health issues kept her from being there. The city of Monroe proclaimed the day at Weary Clyburn Day.