WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 10, 2016) — As an organization representing more than 2.8 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families, that is also headquartered in New York City, IAVA today released the following statement on the passage of the National 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center Act (H.R.3036) in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“The overwhelming vote in the House last night by 387 members to officially recognize the September 11 Memorial in New York City as the National 9/11 memorial is simply the right thing to do,” said Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Founder and CEO. “America must commit to ensuring that the world never forgets. The 9/11 Memorial is a place of healing and reflection for the entire world and especially for our post-9/11 veterans. For our generation of veterans, especially those like me who were at Ground Zero as first responders, this memorial is an essential part of our legacy. This is not just about us, it’s about ensuring generations to come never forget. IAVA applauds the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Peter King (R-NY) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) to get this bill introduced and passed.”

H.R. 3036 would designate the National September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site in New York City as a national memorial and authorize an annual grant from the Department of the Interior to help secure the memorial site. The House approved the bill last night by a vote of 387 – 12. Thirty-four abstained from the vote.