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Last updated on Thursday, June 21, 2018
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Today, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts announced the National Desert Storm War Memorial will be built on the National Mall at the corner of 23rd Street NW and Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.
Senator Joe Donnelly spoke at the commission's meeting this morning and successfully urged its members to vote in favor of the National Mall location. Donnelly supported the desired location that the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association sought in our nation's capital.
The memorial was initially authorized through Donnelly's bipartisan legislation with Senator John Boozman (R-AR), which became law in 2014. A second bipartisan Donnelly-Boozman bill, signed into law in 2017, designated the location of the memorial. Donnelly partnered with Hoosier native Scott Stump on these efforts, as well.
Donnelly said, "I'm pleased that the National Desert Storm War Memorial will have a prominent location on the National Mall to pay tribute to the nearly 400 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield and the more than 600,000 servicemembers who served in these conflicts. I look forward to the day when this memorial is a reality to ensure their service, sacrifice, and memories can be recognized by all Americans and a grateful nation."
To see Donnelly's remarks at the commission meeting urging members to select the National Mall as the site for the National Desert Storm War Memorial, click the image above or click here.
Scott Stump, President and CEO of the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association, said, "Senator Donnelly has been an instrumental and dogged advocate from the very beginning and through the entire process, and he shares our team's general goal of ensuring Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are forever remembered in the most fitting location, which has been accomplished today."
A native of Clay Township in St. Joseph County, Indiana, Stump served as a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps during Operations Desert Storm and Shield.
No federal funds will be spent to build this memorial. All funds will be raised privately by the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association.
To read Senator Donnelly's full letter to the Commission, which he read at the meeting today, see below.
June 21, 2018
Dr. Earl A. Powell III, Chairman
U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
401 F Street NW, Suite 312
Washington, D.C. 20001
Dear Dr. Powell III,
I am writing to urge the Commission on Fine Arts to come to a timely final decision supporting the preferred 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue placement of the National Desert Storm War Memorial in our nation's capital.
As you know, when Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, the United States and its servicemembers answered the call to duty by promoting freedom in the face of injustice. However, these brave men and women remain without a memorial to their service and sacrifice in Washington, DC. Our nation's monuments share the story of our country, and this story cannot be fully told without a National Desert Storm War Memorial.
The heroic actions of our servicemembers in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield helped create a stronger sense of pride and gratitude for all men and women who serve in our military. Perhaps more importantly, the nearly 400 fallen servicemembers of this war deserve a memorial for their sacrifice, and those who fought alongside them deserve a place of remembrance and healing.
Several years of work by many dedicated individuals have gone into making this memorial a reality. In Congress, the effort enjoys strong bipartisan support, and both Congress and President Trump have approved the placement of the National Desert Storm War Memorial at an Area One site--a place reserved for commemorating events of high importance.
It is important that the Commission of Fine Arts move swiftly to approve the 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue site in order to ensure it is constructed in a timely manner. Both those who have served and their loved ones deserve a place of acknowledgment and reverence that they can visit in their lifetimes. I respectfully ask that you give this request all due consideration consistent with U.S. law and public policy. Thank you for your service and leadership. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Joe Donnelly
United States Senator
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