05/23/13 Tuesday, Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced legislation that would authorize a National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial to recognize the many Americans who served our nation during this conflict.
Donnelly said, “Over 60,000 Hoosiers served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, so I am proud to join my friend, Senator Boozman, in introducing bipartisan legislation that would authorize a national memorial to demonstrate our appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice. We owe all men and women who serve our nation a debt of gratitude, and those who serve in war should have their exceptional efforts recognized. The men and women who fought in the first Gulf War, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, deserve to have their service memorialized.”
Boozman said, “There is no national memorial dedicated to the valor and sacrifices made by those members of our Armed Forces who honorably fought, and in some cases made the ultimate sacrifice, in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. We need to change that. This bill will clear the way for a memorial that will show a grateful nation’s respect and appreciation for those who fought to defend freedom in the Gulf War.”
The Boozman-Donnelly legislation, the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act, would authorize the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial on federal lands within the District of Columbia. No federal funds would be spent to build this memorial, as all funds would be raised privately by the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association.
