The article revolves around José A. Torres, an Ohio prosecutor with Puerto Rican roots, who recently participated in a parade in Madrid dressed as a field marshal from the Tercios, a historical Spanish military unit. This event was significant for Torres as it connected him to his ancestry. He learned about his lineage from his great-grandfather, who informed him about their family's origins in Uclés, Cuenca, including tales of an ancestor who fought in the Caribbean in the 17th century against the Dutch.

Torres received a fascinating email from Gilles Prilaux, the head of the archaeological department in Somme, France, who informed him of a significant discovery made at the citadel of Doullens. The archaeologists found the name of Torres's ancestor, a sergeant major in the Spanish Tercios, engraved on a wall, affirming the family's historical ties to this military legacy. This discovery not only sparked Torres's interest but also highlighted the importance of historical research and its implications on personal identity.

The article reflects on themes of heritage, identity, and the connections that bind people to their history. Torres’s participation in the parade not only serves as a homage to his ancestor but also emphasizes the enduring legacy of the Tercios in Spanish history. His story is an example of how individual identities are intertwined with broader historical narratives, impacting one's sense of belonging and cultural pride.