Media

National Memorial Honoring Those Who Have Sacrificed in the Global War on Terrorism to be Built

December 15, 2021
Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 15, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is proud to announce that the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act was passed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2022. This legislation to permit the construction of the Memorial in the Reserve on the National Mall has been a top priority in recent years, and IAVA has partnered with many other VSOs and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) to make the memorial a reality for the post-9/11 generation.

“The sacrifices of the millions of servicemembers and their families over the last twenty years must be memorialized in a place of significant national prominence like our National Mall,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “This could not have been passed without the relentless leadership of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation and IAVA looks forward to working with them and other allies in the coming months and years to make this memorial a reality.”

A national Ipsos survey commissioned by the GWOTMF found that Americans lack basic knowledge surrounding the GWOT effort. The survey revealed that only 35% could correctly identify the length of the 20-plus year war, and 42% – including 55% of those 18-24 years old – said they did not know anyone who had served in the Global War on Terrorism.

IAVA has long made the case that many Americans lack understanding of the sacrifices being made by the U.S. military and their families, which has resulted in the coining of the term, the “military-civilian divide.” Through this new memorial, it is IAVA’s hope that all visitors to our Nation’s Capital will be able to learn about the experience and sacrifice of our military families.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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