Sen. Banks, Colleagues Raise Concerns over Global War on Terror Memorial Design

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), sent a letter to President Trump expressing concerns about the proposed design for the Global War on Terror Memorial in Washington D.C.

The letter argues that the abstract concepts of the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation's proposed design fail to adequately honor the service, sacrifice, and legacy of those who fought in America's post-9/11 conflicts and supports a redesign of the memorial that better reflects the views of veterans and Gold Star families.

Read more about the letter here.

See the full letter here or read below:

Dear Mr. President,

We write to respectfully request your attention to the proposed design for the Global War on Terror Memorial in Washington, D.C. While we strongly support the memorial, we believe the current proposal from the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation falls far short of our obligation to ensure our Nation's finest, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, are respectfully and appropriately honored.

The men and women who answered the call after the attacks of September 11, 2001, and served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and other theaters of operation deserve a memorial that unmistakably recognizes their courage and sacrifice during our Nation's longest war.

After reviewing the initial renderings, we question whether this proposed design would adequately represent why we fought and the gravity of the sacrifices made. Other American war memorials embody timeless designs and clear symbolism, with classical architecture that honors the military's service for decades into the future. This one falls short of that. The current proposal does not identify the military services, operations, or a clear narrative of the causes of these conflicts. Nor does it present a central monument, honor roll, or any other form of recognition for those who died.

We share the concerns of thousands of Gold Star families and veterans who do not believe the abstract concepts of the proposed memorial adequately honor their loss and dedication. We believe that a nation's strength is measured by how it treats its protectors. This generation deserves a memorial that is uncompromisingly American, immediately recognizable as a tribute to military service, and worthy of the men and women who volunteered to defend our country in the Global War on Terror.

The Foundation expects to break ground on the proposed memorial in 2027. As such, we respectfully urge you to support a redesign of the memorial that incorporates the views of Gold Star families and veterans while more clearly commemorating the valor, service, and sacrifice of the Global War on Terror generation.

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