Honoring the Fallen: A Tribute to the New Soldier's Cross at Monument Terrace

By Nathaniel R. Cuellar

I was asked to speak on a solemn day marked by remembrance and respect as a new Soldier's Cross was unveiled at Monument Terrace—a poignant addition standing at the foot of the left-hand stairs. This powerful symbol honors the bravery and sacrifice of our fallen heroes, ensuring their legacy endures for years to come. The unveiling ceremony celebrated not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also the dedicated individuals who made this monument possible. A few weeks have passed, and upon reflection, there is more I wish to share about this meaningful day.

Growing up in the aftermath of 9/11, one thing was abundantly clear: together, we stood strong. During those times, patriotism surged to levels I had never witnessed before or since. Despite differing opinions about war and the military-industrial complex, the spirit of unity and resilience was inspiring. It was a time when many of us, young men and women alike, learned the true meaning of sacrifice, patriotism, and camaraderie.

During my deployments to Iraq, the realities of war were quickly realized. For many, war was an unparalleled thrill, an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other. But with every high comes an inevitable low, a stark reminder of life's cyclical nature. I recall attending my first Soldier's Cross memorial service, honoring six Marines of whom all but one I had never met but whose sacrifice I deeply felt. As I sat there, my thoughts wandered to how I might face my own final moments, considering how my family might cope and whether my daughter would one day be proud of me.

The rifles, dog tags, and dusty boots before me were haunting symbols of the lives lost. As Marines approached the podium, one after another, the weight of the moment pressed heavily on us all, as brothers retold very familiar stories of kind-hearted warriors. Then, the Sergeant Major began the roll call. "Gunnery Sergeant Gonzalez!" his voice echoed, and a firm "Here!" followed. "Staff Sergeant Smith!"—"Here!"—and then, "Sergeant Hall!"—"Here!"

However, when the Sergeant Major called out "Corporal St. Germain," there was no answer. His voice grew louder with each call, "Corporal St. Germain!" The silence that followed was profound, broken only by the wind that seemed to carry the names of the fallen into eternity. The Sergeant Major's final plea for Corporal St. Germain echoed with a desperation that brought tears to many eyes. The roll call continued with more names met by silence, each one a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice these soldiers had made.

As "Amazing Grace" played, the tears on my dusty cheeks were a testament to the profound loss we all felt. The approaching sandstorm on the horizon seemed a fitting backdrop to our grief, as if nature itself mourned alongside us.

Today, I live my life in honor of every brave soul who gave their all in every war, not just the one I fought in. The new Soldier's Cross at Monument Terrace stands as a reminder to veterans and civilians alike that the warrior spirit lives within us all. One day, we might be called upon again. I hope that it won't take another war for us to unite as a people, but I long for the day when our unity is as strong as it was in the aftermath of 9/11.

If we, the survivors, ever find ourselves without purpose in this life, let us remember that our greatest duty now is to be the example for the younger generation. It is now in their hands to carry the flag and uphold our traditions. May we inspire them with our stories, our resilience, and our unwavering commitment to the values we hold dear.

Let this Soldier's Cross serve as a tribute to the fallen and a beacon of hope for a future where our patriotism and compassion bring us together once more.

This article is dedicated to the memory of those who have fallen in service to our country. May their sacrifices never be forgotten, and may the Soldier's Cross at Monument Terrace remind us all of their enduring legacy.