Important Dates

Our Name, Logos, Legislative, Site and Design Approvals

In July 2011, the National Desert Storm Memorial Association became exempt from federal income tax as a 501 (c) (3) under the Internal Revenue Code. You will often see our organization referred to as the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association.

In June 2013, U.S. Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01) introduced H.R. 5914, the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act, which states that the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association may establish the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial as a commemorative work, on Federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate and honor those who, as a member of the Armed Forces, served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield.

In 2013, the “left hook” became the logo for the National Desert Storm Memorial Association.  This left hook is visible on many products that we sell in our online store as it represents our logo.  Regardless of the evolving design of the memorial, the “left hook” will always be our logo.

In May 2014, the United States House of Representatives unanimously authorized construction of a Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial by a vote of 370 – 0.

In December 2014, President Obama signed the law that authorizes us to build the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington D.C.

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

In June 2018, the Commission of Fine Arts approved a site for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial. The decision by the Commission of Fine Arts was the final step in the 3.5-year Site Selection process. The National Park Service and the National Capital Planning Commission had previously recommended this same site earlier in 2018.

On 21 November 2019, Conceptual Design for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts.  To further advance the Conceptual Design, subsequent review and/or approvals will be required by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) , and the National Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC), and the National Park Service (NPS).  Afterwards, Final Design Approval is the next step to make this permanent memorial in Washington D.C. a reality. Final Design will include detailing quotes, fonts, images, bronze sculptures, and carvings for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial.

On 21 October 2021, The Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the revised design concept for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial.

On 14 July 2022, the Groundbreaking Ceremony took place in Washington D.C.

On 1 December 2022, the NCPC approved final site development plans for the National Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial submitted by the National Park Service in collaboration with the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association.

On 11 December 2022, the National Desert Storm Memorial Association announced the revised name of the memorial: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial. A new logo representing the memorial’s revised name was also introduced on this date.