On Anniversary of September 11th Attacks, Ernst and Hassan Work to Honor Troops Who Served in War on Terrorism

WASHINGTON – On the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 ^th terrorist attacks, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran, continues her bipartisan work to honor servicemembers, fallen soldiers, their families, and all those impacted by the Global War on Terrorism. Today, she introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to authorize the construction of a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

 

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act builds on Ernst’s ongoing work to help construct a memorial to honor the lives of those lost in and impacted by the Global War on Terrorism, the nation’s longest running war.

 

“The Global War on Terrorism has impacted the lives of millions of Americans across our nation,” said Senator Ernst, who commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom. “While nothing will ever restore the lives we have lost, this memorial will serve as a tribute to the brave men and women, and their loved ones, who have sacrificed in defense of our freedom. This bipartisan effort brings us one step closer to establishing a memorial to honor these heroes for generations to come.”

 

“The Global War on Terrorism Memorial will honor the tremendous sacrifice made by service members, civilians, and their family members in service to our country,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation would ensure that this memorial stands on the National Mall where countless visitors come every year to pay their respects and remember our country’s history. I am proud to join Senator Ernst in helping to honor the thousands of Americans – including more than 75 Granite Staters – who have lost their lives in this ongoing conflict.”

 

“The men and women who have served and are still serving in the Global War on Terrorism belong to one of the most diverse, agile, and fiercely determined fighting forces in our nation’s history,” said Marina Jackman, President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. “In the nearly two decades since the beginning of this conflict, millions of servicemen and women and civilians have dedicated their time, their resources, and sometimes their lives to this mission. I’m grateful to Senators Ernst and Hassan for their leadership in making sure that those sacrifices are fully acknowledged and that all who have served are honored in our nation’s capital.”

 

“The effort to build a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall is a personal one – not just to me, but to every active duty service member, veteran, surviving family member, and civilian who has worked so hard to make this happen,” said Stephanie Ouellette, a Gold Star Sister from New Hampshire. “As we observe the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we are facing unprecedented political division. Now more than ever before, it’s important to recognize the selfless actions of millions of active duty service members, veterans, federal agents, contractors, first responders, and others who have chosen to be part of something bigger than politics and bigger than themselves. We have the opportunity – as a nation – to unite around a common cause: the simple act of honoring the sacrifices of all who have served through a national Global War on Terrorism Memorial. I’m grateful to Senators Ernst and Hassan for recognizing the significance of the National Mall in our collective history and the need to build this Memorial now – and not wait decades to honor those still serving today.”

 

Background:

In August 2017, President Trump signed into law bipartisan legislation championed by Ernst, authorizing the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, a private foundation, to begin the process of pursuing the construction of a memorial.

 

The next step in the process is identifying and authorizing a location for the memorial on the Reserve. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act proposes three locations for the memorial in Washington, D.C.:

 

• Constitution Gardens – This site is located in the northwestern portion of Constitution Gardens, next to a knoll overlooking the pond. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located directly to the west.
• West Potomac Park – This site encompasses an area that is centered on the Potomac Riverfront. The site area extends along the Potomac River shoreline to the northwest and southeast and is located approximately a half mile south of the Lincoln Memorial.
• JFK Hockey Fields – These two site alternates are situated between Ash Road and the pedestrian path located south of the Reflecting Pool.

 

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