Congress approves plans to build a Global War on Terror memorial

http://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2017/08/04/congress-approves-plans-to-build-a-global-war-on-terror-memorial/

Congress approves plans to build a Global War on Terror memorial

By: Leo Shane III    21 hours ago

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers on Thursday gave final approval to the idea of a Global War on Terror memorial, clearing the path for what is expected to be a years-long process of designing and building a tribute to the latest generation of veterans. In wrap-up work before their summer recess, senators unanimously approved legislation that would allow planning of the memorial to begin immediately, instead of the normally mandated 10-year wait period after the end of a military conflict. Supporters have argued that because the ongoing “war on terror” is open-ended, it could take decades before an official end is declared. By then, they worry, a generation of warfighters may have already died without seeing a tribute to their service.

“This memorial will be wholly dedicated to our 7,000 brothers and sisters who deployed with us but did not return, and their survivors,” said Andrew Brennan, founder and executive director of the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation. “It is dedicated to the 1 million wounded warriors who are reclaiming their lives back here at home. We’re looking forward to building a sacred place of healing and remembrance for our GWOT veterans, a place for families to gather together to honor their loved ones, and for future generations of Americans to learn about a war they will likely grow up alongside of.”

The House passed the memorial legislation last week. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure into law.
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The bill does not provide any money for the project, or specify any design plans. Instead, it authorizes Brennan’s foundation to oversee fundraising and construction of the memorial. That’s a process that supporters say will likely take a decade, if not longer. Organizers say the work can begin in earnest once the president signs the measure into law. The planning will include negotiations with the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission to discuss a possible location on the National Mall for the memorial.