Timeline of Events

March 2017: First Steps Toward A Memorial
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) introduce the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act (H.R. 873) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill calls for the establishment of a Memorial on federal land in Washington, D.C. It also designates the Foundation as the entity authorized to plan, fund, and build it.
April 2017: Support from the Senate
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduce the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act in the Senate.
August 2017: A Major Victory
Congress passes the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act. President Trump signs the bill into law on August 18, 2017.
2017: Generosity In Action
NewDay USA Foundation becomes the GWOT Memorial Foundation’s first major donor with a $200,000 gift.
2018: Listening to Our Heroes
2018: Proven Leaders Join the Team
The Foundation builds an executive leadership team, with former President George W. Bush serving as the Foundation’s Honorary Chairman. With the exception of three additional members (Cecilia Deyo, Bill Kraus, and General Joseph L. Votel), the Board retains its original composition today.
2019: Planning for Success
The Foundation conducts site surveys, area impact studies, and assessments of seven possible sites within the Reserve for the Memorial.
November 2019: The Mall Is the Mission
Concurrent with Veterans Day, Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Rep. Gallagher (R-WI) introduce the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act (H.R. 5046) in the House of Representatives. The legislation specifically seeks authorization for the construction of a Memorial in the Reserve area of the National Mall. Although momentum stalls on the bill’s progress, the issue gains prominence in Congress.
February 2020: Working with Partners
The Foundation briefs the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) on its plan for the Memorial.
February 2021: New Momentum for the Mall
Rep. Crow and Rep. Gallagher reintroduce the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act (H.R. 1115) in the House of Representatives.
December 2021: More Support from Our Allies
Wounded Warrior Project donates $250,000 to the Foundation.
December 2021: A Defining Achievement
Congress passes the historic Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Agreement. President Biden signs the bill into law on December 27, 2021, authorizing the construction of the Memorial in the Reserve area of the National Mall. The dream of the GWOT Memorial Foundation and our nation’s Gold Star families is becoming a reality.
March 2022: Ruck the Reserve
The Foundation holds its inaugural “Ruck the Reserve” event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
December 2022: MISSION BBQ’s Continued Support
MISSION BBQ makes a new donation of $1,440,000. This is the second year in a row that MISSION BBQ has contributed more than $1 million to the Foundation.
2023 (Projected): Memorial site selected.
March 2023: Approval from NCMAC to Move Forward with Site Selection
A major milestone in the site selection process! The Foundation received permission from the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) to proceed with consultations with the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) and National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) regarding proposed sites for a national Global War on Terrorism Memorial.
April 2023: CFA Approves Site A
The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) has approved Site A! Click to view site location. The location near the Lincoln Memorial gains favor as a potential Memorial location. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial is closer to becoming a reality with each passing day.
April 2023: NCPC Grants Authorization to Begin Designing Memorial for Site A Location
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) authorizes the Foundation to embark on a design for a Memorial for Site A, moving the Foundation into steps 13-19 of the 24-step Memorial construction process after being in steps 9-12 since August of 2017.