Courtesy of Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s Office:
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) cosponsored the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act to authorize the establishment of a memorial for service members of the Global War on Terrorism in the Reserve section of the National Mall. The proposed locations outlined in the bill include: Constitution Gardens, West Potomac Park, and the JFK Hockey Fields. Congressman Panetta, along with the bill’s sponsors, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08), are veterans of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) serving in the Navy, Army, and Marines, respectively. Text of the bill can be read here.
“As a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, I am honored to commemorate my brothers and sisters in arms who have served in this conflict. This bipartisan legislation demonstrates our nation’s veneration for those who defend our democracy, and the sacrifice endured by their loved ones,” said Congressman Panetta.
The passage of the bill would allow for the creation of a memorial in the Reserve of the National Mall, the same area Congress set aside to honor the warriors of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Following its passage, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, the 501(c)(3) designated by Congress to build the memorial, would then work with the federal and local multi-agency council on design and construction with the goal of dedication in 2024.Â
“The Global War on Terrorism changed the course of American history and the lives of the millions of servicemembers, first responders, and civil servants who stepped up to serve our country. The sacrifices of this generation are all too often forgotten amidst the political debates of our time,” said Congressman Crow. “It is our hope that by honoring the service and sacrifices of this generation in our nation’s capital, we give our service men and women the honor they are due.”
“I served alongside many brave men and women in the Marine Corps, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation,” said Congressman Gallagher. “Honoring their service, as well as the sacrifices of all those who have served in the Global War on Terrorism, is overdue. The National Mall is a fitting place to memorialize these heroes, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Crow to ensure the legacies of these great Americans will be remembered for generations to come.”
The For Country Caucus, a bipartisan caucus of veterans which Congressman Panetta cofounded, also endorsed the bill.
Congressman Panetta is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and served in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer with a Special Operations Task Force from 2007 to 2008.
The full list of cosponsors includes: Reps: Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Jim Baird (R-IN-04), Anthony Brown (D-MD-04), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-39), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-07), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Conor Lamb (D-PA-17), Brian Mast (R-FL-18), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Jim Panetta (D-CA-20), Max Rose (D-NY-11), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Scott Taylor (R-VA-02), and Michael Waltz (R-FL-06).
A map of the proposed locations can be viewed below.
