Group behind Global War on Terrorism Memorial on National Mall in DC offers first glimpse of design

Congress first authorized the memorial in 2017. In 2021, Congress granted the project an exception that allows it to be built within the National Mall's central reserve area.

Published: June 11, 2026 7:32am

Updated: June 11, 2026 8:18am

Initial designs of the proposed Global War on Terrorism Memorial were released on Tuesday, giving the public a first look at what it might look like if it is built. 

The project will honor those who have served in the fight against global terrorism since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 

The project was initiated in 2015 by the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, a small group of veterans, military families and citizens, and Congress first authorized the memorial in 2017. In 2021, Congress granted the project an exception that allows it to be built within the National Mall's central reserve area. 

It would be located just north of the Lincoln Memorial and will have gardens, elevated walkways and gathering spaces for reflection and education, DC News Now reported

The project still must clear several federal review and approval processes, and it will need to raise enough funds for the construction. The fundraising effort has so far raised approximately $23 million, and it needs $125 million to complete construction. The project timeline aims to begin construction next year, with a completion in 2029. 

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News