Memorial honors 13 soldiers killed in Kabul

Roger and Sandy Walker didn’t know any of the 13 American soldiers whose names grace memorial crosses lining their corner yard at Turtle Creek and Troy-O’Fallon Road. 

Each of them represent a life sacrificed in an Aug. 21, 2021, Taliban-led bombing attack in Kabul that also killed approximately 160 Afghans. The attack targeted dense, desperate crowds attempting to leave the country via Hamid Karzai International Airport during the withdrawal of United States forces.

“Most people who see it have no idea what it is, or what it stands for, I’m afraid,” said Roger Walker. “People can forget so easily. I just want to make people aware. It never should’ve happened.”

Roger Walker, a Vietnam veteran, has been an active advocate for veterans rights and causes since his service time. 

Building the memorial by hand, it’s become an annual reminder in the Walkers’ yard since the attack.

“It touches my heart when someone stops and hops out to look at it, especially if they want to know what it’s representing,” he said.

“This is to honor their families. I’ve never met any of them, but I want them to know that they’re being honored.”