It’s been 14 years since the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks forever changed our nation.

U.S. Military forces are continuing to fight the longest continuous fight on foreign soil in the history of our nation, but this year Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division recognized a special milestone. This year is the first year that they have not had to add the names of any fallen soldiers to the Global War on Terrorism Monument.

Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., 1st Infantry Division commanding general, was this years speaker during the ceremony. He paid special tribute to all ‘Big Red One’ Veterans and active duty Soldiers.

“Our Army has had Soldiers in the field for 14 years, and so to the Veterans of the ‘Big Red One’ and all of the other Veterans here today, thank you for what you have done,” said Grigsby. “Your service to our great nation continues through the actions of the ‘Big Red One’ Soldiers today currently serving around the world.”

Following his remarks Maj. Gen. Grigsby and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston placed a wreath at the Global War on Terrorism Monument in honor of the 213 ‘Big Red One’ Soldiers that’s names are forever etched into the monument.