Department of the Interior and the National Park Service Welcome Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial to the National Mall

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service welcome the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial to the National Park System. Located on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the memorial honors the Americans who served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and remembers those who lost their lives. 

The memorial commemorates the service of American service members and the international coalition that worked together to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces in 1991. More than 35 years after the start of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the memorial provides a permanent place on the National Mall to honor those who served and reflect on their service and sacrifice. 

“The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial honors the courage of the Americans who answered our nation’s call, the sacrifice of those who never returned home and the families who supported them,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Here on the National Mall, their service will be remembered with the gratitude and respect it deserves, and their legacy will endure for generations.” 

Developed by the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, the memorial draws inspiration from a desert oasis. Curving walls evoke desert sand dunes and surround a shaded grove with trees and water.  

Along the pathway, sculptural and architectural elements tell the story of the conflict and honor those who served. A sculpted relief wall depicts the conflict and the liberation of Kuwait, while additional sculptures recognize the teamwork and courage of American service members. The Unity Shield honors the international coalition and features symbols representing the coalition nations. 

“The National Park Service is honored to welcome the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial into our care,” said Jessica Bowron, Comptroller, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the NPS Director. “We will preserve this memorial as a place where veterans, their families and visitors from around the world can reflect on the service, sacrifice and unity that defined this chapter in our nation’s history.” 

The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is located on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. For information about the memorial, including its history, design and directions, visit http://www.nps.gov/dsds.  

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