FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 10, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY –  On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) calls on Congress to pass the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, which would build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to honor the sacrifice of servicemembers and families during our nation’s longest war.

IAVA calls on veterans, servicemembers, families, and all Americans to ask Congress to pass the legislation now. Take 30 seconds and use our easy link.

IAVA Marked the 20th Anniversary of the Attacks by Presenting a Wreath at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

“The families and veterans who have sacrificed during America’s longest war deserve a place of national honor to remember and celebrate their loved ones and to educate the public,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “As we mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the time is right for Congress to finally move forward.”

After the passage of the original legislation in 2017 to authorize the Memorial in D.C., leadership of our partners at the GWOT Memorial Foundation conducted meetings around the U.S. and learned that military families overwhelmingly want the Memorial built on the National Mall. Additional legislation (S. 535 / H.R. 1115), sponsored by Reps. Jason Crow and Mike Gallagher, and Sens. Joni Ernst and Maggie Hassan, is required to accomplish this.

This week the effort was endorsed by all six living former Secretaries of Defense in the Washington Post. The effort is backed by many national veterans and military organizations. Hear some of them tell you why HERE.

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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