The 100-year-old First Infantry Division Memorial was rededicated Sunday morning, unveiling added soldiers. The monument is just outside of the White House in Washington, D.C. The names of 631 fallen Big Red One Soldiers killed in action during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn were added ensuring they are forever remembered. 

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ronald Watts says there’s one person who worked tirelessly for seven years to ensure our fallen First Infantry Division soldiers are rightfully honored:

The Armed Forces Community Foundation partnered with the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation to cover the costs of a complete trip for twelve Gold Star Families to DC for the 1ID Monument Ceremony. 

Sierra Herring’s husband, SPC Josph Lister, was killed in action, making her a single mother of their 13-week-old son:

Herring was 21 years old when her husband’s life was taken by an IED while he was on patrol. Herring says Lister “believed in protecting our country. He believed in sticking up for the little guy. He was the life of the party. We always had so much fun.” Herring added, she feels “so fortunate because the loss and tragedy of my husband has added to our family” because other Gold Star Families truly understand the struggles of her loss. 

Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division Major General John Meyer says, when the community thanks a soldier in uniform for their service, this is what they’re thanking us for:

Meyer says, that comes at a cost:

Meyer ended his address on behalf of the soldiers currently serving in the First Infantry Division: “I’d like to thank all the family members for coming here today, and all the soldiers that you represent by your presence. We honor your sacrifice. We stand in remembrance. No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty First.” 

Senator Roger Marshall says, he’s honored to part of the ceremony and “ensure our fallen soldiers are engraved and recognized at this monument forever.” Marshall added the sentiment of another Kansan: 

Marshall took the Gold Star Families on a private tour of the nation’s capital and joined them in other events throughout Memorial Weekend. 

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