Sunflower State News

On Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas addressed Gold Star Families at Fort Riley during the dedication of a new Gold Star Family Memorial. The monument, made of granite, bears the names of 13,578 men and women who died while serving in the 1st Infantry Division.

The First Infantry Division, known as the Big Red One, was established on May 24, 1917. It is recognized as the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army and has participated in major conflicts including World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.

During his speech, Senator Marshall paid tribute to those commemorated on the memorial and acknowledged their families’ sacrifices. He said: “Good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor to stand here before you today under this vast Kansas sky with no wind blowing, as we dedicate a monument that stands as a Silent Sentinel to the fallen heroes of the First Infantry Division, the legendary Big Red One.

“To those of you whose cherished loved ones are etched among the 13,578 names on this granite testament, thank you. Your quiet strength and unwavering support made it possible for them to charge into the fray, running towards the sound of the battle, defending the freedoms we hold dear.

“Let me borrow some wisdom from Kansas giant Senator Bob Dole, who once captured the essence perfectly. This is what Senator Dole said: ‘What we dedicate today is not a memorial to war, rather, it’s a tribute to the physical and moral courage that makes heroes out of farm and city kids and inspires Americans in every generation to lay down their lives for people they will never meet and for ideas that make life itself worth living.’

“Senator Dole’s words about physical and moral courage hit us all like a thunderclap. Today we’re surrounded by living embodiments of it: our Gold Star families, all the active duty warriors and veterans who proudly bore and bear the Big Red One patch.

“You’ve all stared down the storm, emerging as heroes along those 13,578 souls whose stories echo through time.

“To truly honor them, we must paint the vivid tapestry of the division’s legacy. Born on May 24, 1917, it’s the US Army’s enduring elder statesman, the first to leap into the fire of our nation’s fiercest battles. World War One to Vietnam, Desert Storm, always the tip of the spear, charging ahead with unyielding grit.

“If you could picture with me in World War I, they stormed France’s muddy trenches, becoming the first to bridge the Rhine into enemy territory. Amid brutal chaos, 5516 soldiers fell, but five rose to claim the Medal of Honor for acts that defy imagination.

“Fast forward to World War II. They orchestrated the surrender of nearly 250,000 Axis troops in North Africa’s scorching sands. And at General Patton’s beckon, they crashed onto Sicily shores, then etched eternal glory on D-Day at Omaha Beach. Imagine young soldiers sprinting 300 yards; that’s three football fields of hellfire with nothing but valor as their shield. They carved a path across Europe to Czechoslovakia. 4325 gave their all, 17 earning Medals of Honor.

“After the war, they rooted down right here at Fort Riley. But peace was fleeting. In 1965, they were the first boots on Vietnam’s tangled ground, battling with fierce resolve. 3079 lost 11 Medals of Honor, shining through the haze.

“Amid the resounding victory of Operation Desert Storm, where the First Division led the charge through Iraq’s vaunted defenses, sweeping through the Highway of Death and onto Southon Airfield, obliterating divisions capturing 1000s. 27 more heroes ascended to ranks of fallen; their units cloaked in valorous citations that echo role in turning tide against oppression.

“From 1996 to 2003 Big Red One stood as peacekeepers in Bosnia and Kosovo's fractured lands. Then from 2003-2011 led Operation Iraqi Freedom from heart of Tikrit amid intense urban storms; 439 sacrifices etched in memory.

“2008-2013 Afghanistan: In just one blistering year elements endured over 2000 firefights unleashing over 1000 bombs; 26k artillery rounds; with 500 Purple Hearts as badges unbreakable spirit;192 more joined eternal guard.

“By '14 shattered ISIS in Operation Inherent Resolve's relentless push; '16 fought Operation Freedom Sentinel hunting Al Qaeda & ISIS-K—one life claimed same year.

“They bolstered Inherent Resolve Afghanistan & '17 deployed Europe Atlantic Resolve bulwark against Russian shadows.

“Today Big Red One scattered across world helping secure borders protecting freedom whole continents.

“‘No mission too difficult No sacrifice too great Duty first.’

“As General Rone said these words aren’t just model—they’re heartbeat legend stirring pride swells chest like Kansas prairie wind...

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Senator Marshall also thanked organizations involved in creating this memorial: “I want to stop and say a heartfelt salute to those who helped make this day possible. The Manhattan Community Foundation especially Christine Penny... Your tireless efforts bolstering our soldiers on base embracing their families like your own... shine like beacon in our Fort Riley community.”

He concluded by emphasizing that monuments such as this serve as “eternal storytellers” for future generations: “Monuments like this are eternal storytellers whispering lessons courage generations yet born...”

The event took place during Gold Star Family Weekend at Fort Riley—a base located near Manhattan in Kansas—highlighting both historical contributions by military personnel from Kansas and ongoing recognition for military families’ sacrifices.