DVIDS – News – 1st Infantry Division commemorates 631 soldiers killed after September 11

WASHINGTON DC – Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division support the Society of the First Infantry Division (SOFID) by participating in the dedication ceremony to expand the First Infantry Division Memorial on May 26, 2024, at President’s Park in Washington, DC.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the 1st Infantry Division Memorial, the 1st Infantry Division honored 631 “Big Red One” soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq and unveiled a new “Desert Storm” plaque featuring the names of 1st Infantry Division soldiers killed in Operation Desert Storm.

U.S. Lieutenant General (ret.) Ron Watts, 47th Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and current President of SOFID, gave a brief overview of the history of the memorial, the new features of the expansion, and expressed his condolences to the families in attendance.

“Today we continue the proud legacy of the First Division Monument. Before you stand the granite pedestals with plaques bearing the names of the 631 soldiers who died in combat: 439 in Iraq and 192 in Afghanistan,” Watts said. “We mourn your (Gold Star families) loss and pray that you find comfort in the memories of your loved ones we honor here today. They made the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the 1st Infantry Division.”

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, who supported SOFID in its monument expansion project, joined the Kansas Gold Star Families, Big Red One Soldiers and veterans in the celebration.

“Today we honor the lives of our heroes and humbly add their names to the First Division Memorial. The names of these warriors now join those of the 12,947 soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division who went before them, each of whom also gave their last full-time commitment,” Marshall said. “Our national anthem ends with a question, not a statement: ‘Oh, tell me, is the Star Spangled Banner still flying?'” Marshall said. “The lives of the 631 soldiers we honor today answer with a resounding ‘yes.'”

Major General John V. Meyer III, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division, delivered a speech about the division’s legacy over the past century and thanked the families for the sacrifice of their loved ones.

“For 107 years, this division, the First Division, has defended the values ​​that make our country great,” said Meyer. “I want to thank all the family members for coming here today and all the soldiers you represent with your presence here today. We honor your sacrifice and remember you. No mission is too difficult, no sacrifice too great. Duty comes first.”

Gold Star wife Sierra Herring spoke about her late husband, U.S. Army Spc. Joseph Lister, who was killed by an IED in Iraq on November 20, 2003. While sharing her personal story of loss and resilience, she emphasized the importance of remembering fallen soldiers.

“The memorial and the addition of Spc. Josph’s name and the names of the Gold Star Families soldiers to the memorial means that their legacy will live on,” Herring said. “People will be able to see his name and find out who he is. That means you all have a guarantee that Joe can live on forever. People will be able to talk about him, they will look for him and know his story.”

All attention was focused on the new granite pedestals as the black cloths were removed to reveal bronze plaques bearing the names, rank and unit of soldiers killed in combat during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Veterans, friends, families and soldiers from the Big Red One exchanged words and hugs after the ceremony concluded. Mixed emotions were evident as they remembered their loved ones and looked for their names on the newly unveiled plaques.

The 1st Infantry Division and SOFID will continue to recognize past, present and future Big Red One Soldiers for their dedication and selfless service and remember those fallen Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.