Under clear blue skies, the 2nd Battalion (2RB), 75th Ranger Regiment's new memorial - a signature scroll and orange 2-diamond (tiled) inlay against the craved outline of the symbolic Fairburn Sykes fighting dagger - it shone brightly as the grand granite obelisk bearing the names of its fallen stood erect at the dagger's tip.

The memorial held at Lewis Main yesterday witnessed the unveiling of this emotional monument as part of a memorial park that will forever honor and remember past, present and future Rangers. 

"(It) honors the proud heritage of those who have willingly sacrificed for fellow Rangers, families and for country," Capt. Grant Stone said to the 2,000 in attendance. "It represents all those who have served and (understand) why these four symbols means so much."

In fitting fashion, the ceremony honored each era of Rangers with wreaths placed around the obelisk - from World War II, Korea, Vietnam to present day. Former Soldiers from Grenada's Operation Fury (‘83), Panama's Operation Just Cause ('89), Haiti's Uphold Democracy ('94) and Cuba's Operation Safe Haven ('96), and active-duty Rangers and the fallen from the Global War on Terrorism were also honored.

"The (2RB) is important to the nation's (and Army's) history because of what it stands for," said LTC Gregory Anderson. "The spirit of American volunteers - we've had a long history of men standing up to the call to arms and combat. 2RB stands for a daring spirit and accepts more that is expected of us. Rangers absolutely refuse to accept average or just good enough, (they) see the potential possible in everything, and (they) stand for teamwork at the deepest level and an absolute willingness to more towards gunfire. This monument is a lasting symbol, though many years, different wars and campaigns separate us. It helps visualize our purpose and ties us to the beloved memories of fallen comrades."

Activated at Fort Lewis in 1974, 2RB is a "highly trained, rapidly deployable and lethal assault force," that has pursued the enemy in extreme weather, mountainous terrain some 9,000 ft. high, and in the depths of densely-populated enemy strongholds. Since 9/11, 2RB has deployed 15 times and conducted 218 operations.

"What (2RB) does will most likely remain unwritten and hidden," said Ret. Col. Mike Okita, chairman of the Pointe du Hoc Foundation. "We honor you with this memorial. The wives, parents and kids of Rangers - we honor you too with this memorial."

Mrs. Anne Rudder-Erdman, daughter of Maj. James Earl Rudder, the first commander of the 2RB in WWII was also at the dedication. "What you're doing is so very important," she said. "And, it will continue to be important for years to come."

"It's a great thing to have Rangers here from WWII to present," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Albrecht, who has deployed 11 times with 2RB. "This (monument) brings us all together and it's a really great thing."

Staff Sgt. Joshua Leach agreed. "It's a great tribute and so humbling to see what they have done," he said. "This is what makes us who we are."

The Point du Hoc and its efforts to raise money for scholarships and the memorial will continue.  For more information or to donate, visit pointeduhocfoundation.com/ or email info@pointeduhocfoundation.com.