SAN ANTONIO – (Feb. 21, 2026) – Legionnaires of the 20th District, Marines, veterans, government officials and family members of the Weslaco 8 gathered on the rooftop of 118 Broadway St. to witness the Rooftop Oath Ceremony hosted by the Conversation of the Greatest Generation (COGG).
The program began with opening remarks from WWII historian Dennis Blocker II followed by prayer, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem by the Weslaco Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Numerous proclamations were read by city officials of San Antonio, Weslaco, Bexar County and Texas House District 39.
“Today, we honor these 13 Marines, hence renewing our commitment to the values they represented,” said Blocker to more than 200 guests in attendance. “The story of the 13 is more than a story of war. It is a story of hometown heroes of ordinary individuals whose service and legacy continues to inspire us to stand united and to never take freedom for granted. Let us remember their courage, their honor and their sacrifice.”
Commemorative addresses were delivered by U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station San Antonio Commanding Officer Maj. Dylan Reidell and historian Andrew Booher.
Afterwards, Reidell sworn in 13 future Marines, mirroring the induction ceremony held on the same rooftop on Feb. 18, 1943.
One of the Marines and Weslaco 8 sworn in on that day was Cpl. Harlon H. Block, one of the Marines who assisted in the second flag-raising on Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945.
The act, which was captured in a photograph that would become one of the most iconic and reproduced images in American history, would come to symbolize the sacrifice, courage, camaraderie and enduring spirit of the Marines and those who answer the call to serve. Unfortunately, Block was killed in action on Iwo Jima two weeks later.
After remarks by COGG President Jeff Copsetta, he and Reidell unveiled two plaques honoring the 13 who were inducted into the Marine Corps on the rooftop in 1943 and the historic picture of the flag-raising.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of "Anchors Aweigh" and the Marine Hymn, followed by a flyover of WWII aircraft.
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to place rank insignia and other items onto a cedar-made memorial cross.
