A new national memorial honoring those who fought in the Global War on Terrorism will be constructed in Washington, D.C. as President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Monday, which contained the measure.
The bipartisan effort was in part led by Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst and New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Hassan. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act was part of the roughly $770 billion National Defense Authorization Act.
“In the wake of 9/11, millions of Americans answered the call to keep America safe, sacrificing life and limb to protect our homeland and to fight the enemies of freedom the world over,” Ernst said.
She continued, “The time to honor these heroes of our nation’s longest war and their families is now, and there is no more fitting of a way to do that than with a memorial on our National Mall to serve as a permanent testament of their selflessness for generations to come.”
With Biden’s signing of the NDAA, she said that the memorial was “a done deal.” The measure sets three locations for potential landing spots for the memorial.
The options for the memorial include in the northwestern part of the Constitution Gardens, in West Potomac Park, and the JFK Hockey Fields. A memorial for the Global War on Terror had been authorized with no chosen location by President Trump in 2017.
“We’re sure that every Gold Star family from the Global War on Terrorism would agree that this Memorial is going to be a treasured place to gather in the spirit of turning grief into honor. Our deepest appreciation to everyone involved in the years of preparation and passion for this Memorial!” said Gold Star Parents Terry and Beth Burgess.
Several individuals involved with organizations devoted to remember those who have fought and died in the Global War on Terror also praised the decision.
“My heart is at peace knowing my husband and all those who have fought, bled, and died will be honored the only way fitting of their immense sacrifice: with a memorial on the National Mall,” said Gold Star Wife Jane Horton.
According to the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, anyone who served in the military following the September 11 Islamic terror attacks will be honored by the memorial.
“Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs have come together to do what is right – to honor the more than 7,000 men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation over the last two decades,” said Tunnel to Towers chairman Frank Siller. “I hope the passing of this bill brings peace to the families these heroes left behind. Now they will have an official Memorial where they can reflect and honor the loved ones they have lost.”
Biden signed the massive NDAA on Monday, designating billions of dollars to a wide variety of defense-related initiatives including aid to Ukraine and China-related spending.
Other provisions included in the bill are a 2.7% raise for many service members and changes in the process by which the military investigates allegations of sexual misconduct.