CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea -- The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division hosted a Regimental Walk Dedication Ceremony at the new division headquarters Nov. 5.
The ceremony marked the start of a development plan, which includes the 2ID Regimental Walk, dedicated to units that served with the Warrior Division, and the future 2ID Museum set to open in 2022.
In opening remarks, Col. (retired) William M. Alexander, Barnesville, Georgia native, and 2nd Infantry Division Museum director, highlighted the relevance of the first regimental stone marker unveiled during the ceremony.
"Today, we formally open the 2nd Infantry Division Regimental Walk, this area will remind our present-day Warriors and their families of the many regiments and units that have been part of our 101-year history," said Alexander. "We especially remember the 9th Infantry Regiment, our oldest regiment, the Manchus, originally formed in 1798."
Maj. Gen. D. Scott McKean, San Jose, California native, and commanding general, 2ID/RUCD, and Command Sgt. Maj. Phil K. Barretto, Aiea, Hawaii native, and 2ID/RUCD sergeant major, revealed the official 2ID Regimental Walk post.
"We have a vision for how to commemorate our lineage, a place for all Warriors, past and present, to come and visit a site that honors the bravery and courage of this division, much like we did at Camp Red Cloud," said McKean. "I believe that before embarking on our future here on Camp Humphreys, it is right and just to pay the proper tribute and memorialize those whose footsteps we follow."
In dedicating the 9th Infantry Regimental stone marker, Warriors looked to pay tribute to a former commander of 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry (Manchu) Regiment, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks.
"The first regiment assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in the hell of the first World War was the 9th Infantry Regiment," said McKean. "What would be more fitting than to have the senior Manchu on active duty who commanded a Manchu Battalion here in 2ID, set forth our new path?"
Brooks, an Anchorage, Alaska native, and commanding general, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Force Korea, unveiled the 9th Infantry Regiment stone marker. Distinguished leaders broke the ground with golden shovels, officially dedicating the 2ID Regimental Walk and honoring the Manchu Battalion.
Brooks recalled his lineage with the Warrior Division dating back to his early childhood.
"I was born in the 23rd Infantry Regiment, which was the second regiment to join the great 2nd Infantry Division, as my father was serving as a company executive officer in Alaska, where some of the battle groups were at that time just two years returning from the armistice in the Korean War," said Brooks. "This is my family, this is my origin."
Brooks commended the Warrior Division for creating the 2ID Regimental Walk, a place of remembrance.
"This helps us demonstrate our connection to the past," said Brooks. "I'm looking forward to seeing all the stones of all the regiments who have ever served with the 2nd Infantry Division over time. I'm greatly honored to have pulled the cover off of the first one," added Brooks.
The Warrior Division continues their journey on Camp Humphreys with the official opening of their new headquarters on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m.