U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) and 24 of his fellow veterans in the For Country Caucus today sent a letter to President Biden requesting his direct support for legislation to authorize construction of a Global War on Terror memorial on the National Mall. The For Country Caucus is a bipartisan group of veterans in Congress committed to national service and working across party lines.
“As we approach the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and draw down our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s more important than ever for us to honor the thousands of brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror,” said Rep. Meijer. “I’m working with my fellow veterans in the For Country Caucus to get this memorial built on the National Mall, and today we requested President Biden’s help in getting this important project over the finish line.”
Rep. Meijer and his colleagues are working to pass the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, legislation led by two For Country Caucus members, Army veteran Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) and Marine Corps veteran Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI), in the House. Passage of the bill is the final step needed to authorize construction of the memorial on the National Mall.
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act has 179 House and Senate cosponsors. Although it was first introduced in 2019 and reintroduced this February, the bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee. The For Country members are hoping to use a meeting with the president to enlist his direct support of the effort and make progress ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Excerpt from the letter:
“As you know, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. As we prepare to observe that somber milestone and remember the nearly three thousand lives taken that fateful day, we also honor the more than 2.7 million men and women who have voluntarily served in the United States Armed Forces over the past two decades of conflict and sacrifice in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). On behalf of those still fighting violent extremism around the world, our fellow veterans, military families, and supporters we, twenty-five military veterans who comprise the For Country Caucus, request a meeting with you to discuss the vital importance of H.R. 1115 and S. 535, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act.”
Read the full letterhere.
The For Country Caucus was created in 2019 to bring together military veterans who are serving in Congress on both sides of the aisle, and who are committed to courage, integrity, and civility in public service. Since then, the caucus has helped to pass more than 15 bills into law, including legislation that:
- Repeals the widow’s tax;
- Enhances childcare for Gold Star families;
- Provides grants to assist homeless veterans; and
- Creates a “bill of rights” for military tenants.
