The construction of the Desert Storm War Memorial on the National Mall has received a large donation which makes the goal of opening in 2021 very realistic.
In March, President Donald Trump approved the design and construction of a $25 million National Desert Storm War Memorial. Since gaining approval for the memorial, those involved in the planning of the project have set their sights on a 2021 opening date on the 30th anniversary of the start of the war and Kuwait invasion. That goal has become more realistic now as the truck stop chain Flying J has donated $100,000 to be used in the building and construction of the National Desert Storm Memorial. The design will incorporate a “flat hook” shape which mimics the “left hook” military maneuver used successfully in the Desert Storm War and helped to end the war quickly with minimal allied casualties. The effort to build the memorial is being led by the National Desert Storm War Memorial Board of Directors along with veterans of the war, the CSO architectural firm, and Context Landscape Architecture, as well as numerous citizens who were directly affected by the Desert Storm War. Drawings and a conceptual design have been created after months of research and collaboration with veterans and The Board. Their thoughts, suggestions, and general input were incorporated in creating “a fitting, meaningful, and memorable memorial experience for visitors and for those most affected by the war.”
While the what of the basic design is and will be clear, the memorial’s exact location on the National Mall has not yet been selected. Choosing a site will involve a 25-step process which also will factor in environmental considerations, but the $100,000 donation is certain to expedite the process. The project’s fundraising is merely in the beginning stages while The National Park Service has begun site selection. In June, the Park Service held meetings in which two potential sites were considered, one near 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue and another on Columbia Island at George Washington Parkway and the Memorial Circle. The 23rd Street location is the likely favorite due to its proximity to the Vietnam War Memorial; visitors would be able to walk to and from the two fairly easily.
The generous $100,000 donation was made on July 23 by Pilot Flying J, who is known as the largest operator of travel centers in North America.