Legislators praise National Mall veterans memorial bill passage

U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) recently commended the passage of their legislation, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, which enables the placement of a National Mall memorial honoring Global War on Terrorism veterans.

“In the wake of 9/11, millions of Americans answered the call to keep America safe, sacrificing life and limb to protect our homeland and to fight the enemies of freedom the world over,” Ernst, a combat veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, said. “The time to honor these heroes of our nation’s longest war and their families is now, and there is no more fitting of a way to do that than with a memorial on our National Mall to serve as a permanent testament of their selflessness for generations to come. I can proudly say that this memorial will soon become a reality. The time has finally come – it’s a done deal!”

Hassan said the National Mall represents the country’s history, challenges faced and sacrifices made for freedom.

“To not have a memorial to the brave men and women who fought in the Global War on Terrorism is inexcusable and an injustice to our service members and their families who have given so much,” Hassan said. “Today, that changes. I am so honored to have helped lead this effort with Sen. Ernst and to see this bill signed into law. It is a testament to the service members and their families who have given so much to their country and continued to advocate for this memorial’s rightful place on our National Mall.”