Learn About the Park

A closeup of bas relief of soldiers moving from left to right in combat gear, carrying rifles. — Detail of Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial.
NPS / Laurel Brodsky

About the memorial

Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is designed as a sanctuary and a celebration of unity and liberation. This corner of the National Mall becomes a sacred place, dedicated to remembering a moment in our nation’s history, which, though triumphant, was not without sacrifice.

Commemorating a significant moment of the 20th Century, the success of the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations began with an extraordinary diplomatic effort to gain passage of United Nations Resolution 660 and assemble a unique global coalition that came together in service and sacrifice to liberate The State of Kuwait.

Design features

The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is an oasis set between two dune forms rising out of the fabric of the surrounding National Mall. Within the landform, two curving walls encircle a shaded grove. The sound of water bubbles from a source within these trees, unifying the space and creating a sanctuary.

A clockwise, circular path takes visitors along the "Storm Wall" depicting people and vehicles moving from left to right, symbolizing the military's left hook maneuver during Operation Desert Storm. The bas-relief on this wall depicts the build-up of the Operation, the troops on the ground, and the dawn of a new day.

The bald eagle and falcon symbolize the leadership of the United States and the role of regional allies, and commemorate the liberation of Kuwait.

On the "Inscription Wall," an inscription honors those who volunteered to serve and those who lost their lives in service.

In the center of the memorial, the Unity Shield commemorates all nations of the Coalition, highlighting success of cooperation and underscoring their shared sacrifice in this conflict. Reminiscent of a battle shield of antiquity, this element represents the collective effort of all coalition nations to join forces and assist the nation of Kuwait.

Inscriptions

Storm Wall

"My confidence in you is total, our cause is just! Now you must be the thunder and the lightning of Desert Storm." General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr.

"We set out to confront an enemy abroad, and in the process transformed a nation at home." President George H. W. Bush

Inscription Wall

To Honor the Service and Sacrifice
Operation Desert Shield
Operation Desert Storm
United States Army
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
United States Air Force
United States Coast Guard

Memorial timeline

May 28, 2014 - The United States House of Representatives unanimously authorized construction of a Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial by a vote of 370-0.

December 19, 2014 - President Barack Obama signed into law S.995 authorizing a National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington, DC.

March 31, 2017 - President Donald Trump signed a bill into law authorizing a memorial to be built near the National Mall in Washington, DC, at an Area-1 location.

June 21, 2018 - The Commission of Fine Arts approved a site for the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial. The decision by the Commission of Fine Arts is the final step in the 3.5-year site selection process. The National Park Service and the National Capital Planning Commission recommended this same site earlier in 2018.

November 21, 2019 - The Commission of Fine Arts approved the memorial design concept.

October 20, 2022 - The Commission of Fine Arts approved a final revised design.

March 6, 2025 - The National Park Service issued the construction permit.

October 24, 2026 - The memorial was formally dedicated and opened to the public.