Last year at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), the Foundation had the privilege of announcing that world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, of Kengo Kuma & Associates, would lead the design of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial. That moment marked a defining step toward building this sacred place on our National Mall.
This year, we returned to MIC to share something never before seen—an early and deeply meaningful design element of the Memorial. Today, we unveiled that footsteps will be found along the pathways of OUR Memorial. These footsteps will represent the multitude of ways so many served and sacrificed. I was incredibly honored to share just a few examples and look forward to sharing more soon.
Every step along these paths will embody the weight of war, reflecting the journeys of those who wore the uniform, those who served beside them, and their loved ones at home. Each footstep etched into the pathways represents far more than a single life shaped by the Global War on Terrorism.
This Memorial is more than stone and steel. It is a place that will speak of service and sacrifice, remembrance and healing, empowerment and unity. It will stand as a lasting tribute to the Nation they protected and invite generations to remember, reflect, and understand the cost of freedom.
We will walk with them again.