Fallen Soldiers Monument at Old Main / Courthouse
The Fallen Soldiers Monument was constructed outside the Old Main Building of Knox College on June 19, 1919. It was built in order to honor and remember Knox alumni and students who died protecting our country in World War I. On one side of the monument, there is a World War I service flag for Knox College, donated by the Rebecca Park Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The flag states that Knox had 660 in service during the war. On the other side, the monument names 17 “Men of Knox” who gave their lives in service. Underneath the names of the 17 men, there is a quote from William Shakespeare that reads “He lives in fame that died in virtue’s cause.”
The concept of virtue, or honesty and courage, has always run strong in Knox’s long history, and is a defining feature of our identity here. From the college’s abolitionist roots with George Washington Gale, ethical morality has always been a valued characteristic at Knox. This memorial to the 17 brave men of World War I exemplifies that emphasis of virtue. Since the construction of the memorial, Knox students have worked hard to maintain this value. This can be seen in examples such as the Knox Honor Code that seek to carry on a continuation of virtue among students. And even beyond concrete instances such as the Honor Code, virtue is a standard that is expected of every Knox student. This memorial serves as a constant reminder of a vital factor of the Knox College identity.