WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today applauded the Senate’s passage of the FY2022 NDAA, which includes his bipartisan legislation that authorizes construction of a Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial on the National Mall.
Gallagher had previously led an effort to authorize a GWOT Memorial during his first term in Congress, but additional legislation was required to allow for the memorial to be constructed on the National Mall. Gallagher and Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) have worked for years to highlight the importance of building the memorial on the National Mall and pass legislation that would allow this to happen.
Their bill is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“The National Mall tells the story of our nation’s history and our heroes. There is no place more fitting to honor the service of the more than three million Americans who fought in the Global War on Terror,” said Rep. Gallagher.“I’m grateful to see this memorial is one step closer to becoming a reality and proud to have worked in bipartisan fashion to ensure my generation of veterans is remembered on the Mall.”
Rep. Crow said, “With critical investments in our space defense, biosecurity technology, and clean energy, this year’s NDAA will help make America stronger and safer. This package gives a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and honors our veterans. Those of us who have served know the transformative power of a sacred place where the American people can come to reflect, remember, and heal. I’m proud to have passed my and Rep. Gallagher’s bill, delivering a permanent tribute in our Nation’s Capital to honor those who served this country over the past 20 years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Building this monument on the National Mall will go a long way in honoring the service and sacrifice of our troops during the Global War on Terror.”
Both Gallagher and Crow are veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, having served in the Marines and Army, respectively.
Creation of this memorial on the National Mall has the support of the six surviving secretaries of defense—spanning Democratic and Republican Administrations—who led the Defense Department during the past 20 years of the Global War on Terrorism.
