Gulf War Memorial Opens on National Mall

The National Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial opened on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial, honoring U.S. service members and coalition forces who helped liberate Kuwait in 1991, as well as those who did not return home. The memorial recognizes the international coalition and aims to preserve the conflict’s history and veterans’ service for future generations. Veterans, officials and representatives of Kuwait attended the dedication, which marked the culmination of a years-long effort supported by private donations and Kuwait. Its design evokes a desert oasis and uses sculptural features to recount the conflict and celebrate coalition unity.