President Trump recently signed a bill approving the construction of a Global War on Terror memorial to honor those who sacrificed their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, Stars and Stripes reported. The legislation included an exception from the 1986 Commemorative Works Act, which states that Congress must wait 10 years after a military conflict ends before placing a memorial in Washington D.C.
"Today's historic signing is dedicated to our 3 million brothers and sisters who have deployed in the Global War on Terror, especially to the ones we have lost, and those who face great obstacles since their return home," said Andrew Brennan, founder and executive director of the foundation. "We're looking forward to building a sacred place of healing and remembrance for our veterans and their families and want to thank our partners and advocated who worked tirelessly on Capitol Hill to pass this bipartisan legislation."
The legislation also allowed the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation to handle the privately funded memorial's fundraising, design and construction process, Stars and Stripes reported. The Foundation's goal is to raise between $40 and $50 million, and will attempt to secure federal approval to build the memorial on the National Mall. The Foundation would also like to hold a competition for the memorial's design. Completion of the project is scheduled for 2024.
