Congressman Cory Mills Introduces Resolution Calling for Redesign of National Global War on Terrorism Memorial

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cory Mills introduced a resolution expressing the sense of the House that the current design concept for the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial fails to adequately honor the sacrifices of America's post-9/11 service members and urging a redesign that more clearly reflects the valor, sacrifice, and warrior ethos of those who served.

More than 2.7 million Americans answered the nation's call following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, deploying to combat zones across the globe in what became the longest continuous conflict in American history. Over 7,000 U.S. service members gave their lives, while tens of thousands returned home bearing the physical and invisible wounds of war.

"The men and women who fought in the Global War on Terrorism answered our nation's call without hesitation, serving through two decades of sustained conflict to defend the American people," said Rep. Mills. "Their memorial should leave no doubt about who they were, what they endured, and what they sacrificed. Future generations should not have to interpret abstract symbolism to understand the courage of those who fought after September 11^th, but rather they should see it plainly."

The resolution argues that unlike iconic military memorials such as the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the current design concept relies too heavily on abstract architectural features and landscaping rather than explicitly depicting the service and sacrifice of America's post-9/11 veterans.

Specifically, the resolution states that:

The current design concept does not provide the level of recognition deserved by Global War on Terrorism veterans and Gold Star families.

A national war memorial should visibly honor military service, valor, and combat sacrifice rather than prioritize abstract artistic interpretation.

The memorial's design should be substantially revised to better represent the warrior ethos and realities of combat.

The final memorial should prominently depict the physical sacrifice, equipment, and collective service of the men and women who fought in the Global War on Terrorism.

The National Global War on Terrorism Memorial will serve as the nation's permanent tribute to the generation of Americans who served in the conflicts that followed the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This memorial must preserve their legacy with the dignity, clarity, and honor they earned. We owe them nothing less.