"Liberation of Kuwait"... An Eternal Memory in the Heart of Washington

- The ceremony was held in the presence of Ambassador Alaa Al-Sabah and a large gathering of officials and diplomats.

- The occasion recalls the sacrifices of liberation and documents a historic milestone in Kuwaiti-American relations.

- The Minister of Defense recalled the sacrifices and heroism demonstrated by the forces participating in the liberation.

- The monument represents a historical legacy that embodies the values of solidarity and underscores the importance of preserving this memory and passing it on to future generations.

- The event honored veterans who participated in “Operation Desert Shield” and “Operation Desert Storm,” as well as the families of soldiers who were killed in these operations.

- The ceremony featured the performance of a Kuwaiti song about freedom, expressing Kuwait’s gratitude and appreciation to the United States.

- The memorial is located at the intersection of 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue in a highly significant location in Washington, D.C.

- The site fundamentally represents a symbolic meeting point that combines the symbolism of Constitution Avenue with the diplomacy represented by 23rd Street.

Thirty-five years after the liberation of Kuwait, a new testament to the sacrifices of the international coalition forces has emerged in the heart of the U.S. capital, with the unveiling of the memorial for “Operation Desert Shield” and “Operation Desert Storm” at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the participants in the 1991 liberation war.

The Minister of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Salim Al-Sabah, attended the opening ceremony, alongside Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, Sheikha Alaa Al-Sabah, and a large gathering of officials, diplomats, veterans, and their families, in an event that recalls the sacrifices of liberation and documents a historic milestone in Kuwaiti-American relations.

In a statement on Sunday, the Directorate of Moral Guidance at the Ministry of Defense noted that Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah reviewed during the ceremony the historical meanings embodied by the memorial, which reflect the sacrifices of the international coalition forces led by the United States and their role in liberating the State of Kuwait in 1991.

The statement added that the Minister of Defense recalled during the ceremony the sacrifices and heroism demonstrated by the participating forces, and highlighted that this monument represents a historical legacy embodying the values of solidarity and cooperation, while underscoring the importance of preserving this historical memory and passing it on to future generations. The memorial reflects the depth of the historical relations and close ties between the two friendly nations.

The opening ceremony of the memorial was attended by a large crowd comprising numerous U.S. officials, senior members of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Washington, cultural and political figures, diplomats from many countries, and a large group of veterans and their families.

The celebration included honoring veterans who participated in “Operation Desert Storm” and “Operation Desert Shield,” as well as the families of soldiers who were killed in these operations. It also featured the performance of a Kuwaiti song about freedom, expressing the State of Kuwait’s gratitude and appreciation for U.S. support during the liberation war.

The memorial is located at the intersection of 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue in a highly significant location in Washington, D.C., fundamentally representing a symbolic meeting point that combines the symbolism of Constitution Avenue with the diplomacy represented by 23rd Street (home to the U.S. Department of State).

It extends from the U.S. Capitol building toward the Lincoln Memorial and the western area, forming a physical and symbolic link between the nation’s legislative heart and its foundational ideals and presidential memorials. The street is lined with massive federal buildings, most notably the National Archives Building, which houses the “Charters of Freedom” (the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights).

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum expressed his country’s gratitude and appreciation to the State of Kuwait, in particular, for its generous support in contributing to the establishment of the memorial to the Gulf War operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the heart of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., which honors the sacrifices of U.S. and coalition forces in the 1991 war to liberate Kuwait.

Speaking at the ceremony, Burgum said, “This is a day of patriotism, a day of remembrance, a day of gratitude, and also a day of celebration. We are, of course, celebrating the creation of this magnificent and beautiful memorial. We express our thanks to our friends and allies, many of whom are here, and especially to the State of Kuwait. Thank you very much to your country for the immense support in building this memorial, which reminds us of how we worked together.” He noted that “this memorial required years of foresight, diligent work, and commitment to overcome the obstacles to realizing this project on the ground, which will forever enshrine the sacrifices of veterans of Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the capital of our nation and on the grounds of our national memorial.”

He continued, “Today we stand in reflection and reverence for those brave souls who served their country, and for those who lost their lives, whether they fell during the combat operations of Desert Storm, symbolized by the wreath on the right, or those who sacrificed their lives during the Desert Shield phase, symbolized by the wreath on the left.” He added, “We honor these veterans not merely because they fought, but for the cause they fought for. They fought for freedom, to liberate the people of Kuwait, and to support our friends and allies in the region.”

He highlighted the significance of the site where the Desert Shield and Desert Storm memorial is located, within the extended seating area of the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most famous and visited memorials in the world, attracting approximately 40 million visitors annually. Burgum said, “Memorials, like the one we are dedicating today, are tangible embodiments of our pride and gratitude for all who have served their country and for all who have given the greatest of sacrifices and devotion. This memorial has now become a national legacy and a trust upon all of our shoulders.”

He clarified that “the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service will officially assume responsibility for preserving this memorial from the first day of its opening, so that generations decades or even centuries from now can learn about the Americans honored by this important memorial.” The U.S. Secretary continued, “Our responsibility begins today; it does not end with the current dedication ceremony, but continues through our commitment to maintaining this memorial, just as we have and continue to do at other sites across the country and on this national ground, the National Mall.”

He praised the creativity of the designers behind the memorial, saying, “The designers have made tremendous efforts in creating this exquisite artistic wall, choosing a type of stone that precisely matches the colors of Kuwait’s sands. The emblem of two birds of prey is also featured: one is an eagle representing the United States, and the other is a falcon symbolizing the ancient falconry traditions of the Middle East. Both birds soar toward the dawn of a new day.”

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that “this memorial serves as a sober and necessary reminder of the seriousness with which we must all approach the use of military force.”

Heigseth, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, stated, “We owe it to our fighters to make a pledge to wage wars wisely and effectively, in a manner that ensures the costs borne by Americans remain proportional to the stakes involved.”

He emphasized that the “Desert Storm” operation served as a model for this principle, and that this memorial will stand as a testament to it. He added, “I will likely be able to see it from my office at the Pentagon, serving as a constant personal reminder of this principle.” He noted that both the “Desert Shield” and “Desert Storm” operations demonstrated the “exceptional impact” of partnerships based on shared interests, forging strong and enduring bonds between the American people and the peoples of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other partners in the Gulf region.

He said, “We remember when coalition forces were able to seize the initiative, restore Kuwait’s sovereignty and freedom, and deliver a decisive defeat to Iraqi forces... Our shared victory was overwhelming, the fruit of a sound strategy executed with skill by a force characterized by competence, readiness, and courage.” He continued, “The victory in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations carries a firm truth: that military power, when used clearly to advance specific political objectives, and in cooperation with capable and willing partners, can and will continue to achieve decisive results.”

He regarded this lesson as extending beyond the pages of history. “Peace and stability in the Gulf region, in the Indo-Pacific, in Europe, and even in our immediate neighborhood are safeguarded only through strength,” he affirmed, stressing that this is the core of U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach of “peace through strength.”

Heigseth concluded by saying, “Today, we honor this partnership and say to everyone who participated in these operations, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice or were injured during this conflict, as well as their families, ‘We appreciate you and we thank you.’ We hope this memorial ensures that this memory remains present in the minds of future generations as well.”

Kuwait’s Ambassador to Washington, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, praised the achievement of erecting the monument in the heart of the U.S. capital, noting, “By doing so, we give great history a permanent place, a vision realized thanks to the relentless dedication of a group of visionaries, builders, legislators, artists, and craftsmen.”

Sheikha Al-Zain emphasized in her speech at the ceremony that “this memorial holds deep significance for the Kuwaiti people, as it honors the courage of those who fulfilled their duty, the sacrifices made in defense of freedom, and the enduring friendship born in that exceptional moment in our shared history. Within this friendship lies a gratitude that time cannot diminish or lessen.”

Addressing the audience, she said, “To all who answered the call of duty: you will always remain present in Kuwait’s national memory and in our hearts, and we will never forget you. More than 35 years have passed since the liberation of Kuwait. Despite changes in the world, the principles that united our nations remain highly relevant today, as they were then: sovereignty, international law, territorial integrity, and the firm belief that collective action based on shared principles can change the course of history.”

She added, “Today, we are honored to have ambassadors and representatives of many coalition countries among us. Your presence serves as a valuable reminder that the liberation of Kuwait was a shared achievement, and that the bonds forged in that historic moment remain intact to this day.”

Scott Stump, CEO of the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, affirmed that the memorial embodies an “exceptional chapter” in modern military history and honors the sacrifices of participants in an international coalition comprising more than 30 countries that liberated Kuwait in 1991.

During the opening ceremony, Stump emphasized the importance of passing the lessons of this experience to future generations, praising the generous support provided by the State of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banks Union in completing this significant memorial.

He stated, “This memorial will tell future generations that an international coalition, comprising more than 30 countries from five different continents with diverse religions and backgrounds, united and made sacrifices to achieve freedom.”

He added, “Knowing that between five and six million people will visit this monument annually makes me realize that this story will remain alive and endure long after we are all gone. The lessons will remain present here, forming a living, vibrant classroom for future generations... This memorial will stand as long as Washington, D.C. exists.”

Addressing the veterans present at the event, he said, “To all my fellow veterans here, enjoy this memorial that honors your memory. To all coalition members and the Kuwaiti delegation, this monument is yours; it is ours all, so enjoy it.”

The center’s director, who designed the monument, noted that it features a powerful composition expressing the alliance between the two countries.

Skip Graham, research director at OLIN, the firm that designed the memorial, said the team designed the monument to serve as an “oasis” within the natural landscape of the National Mall. The interior space is surrounded by two earth masses resembling sand dunes, akin to the “Burgan” dunes in Kuwait, formed by sand and swirling desert winds.

Graham explained that the “Storm Wall” is the first wall and is characterized by a highly dynamic presence in the memorial. It embodies a formation that reflects the power and speed of military operations. Sculptural works by artist Emily Pedard rise from among the sand dune terrain, depicting the stages of the conflict, from military buildup, through engagement and combat, to the liberation of Kuwait.

He noted that along this path, two stainless steel elements emerge, symbolizing the United States and Kuwait together in a powerful formation that expresses the alliance between the two countries. The United States appears as the leader of the victorious coalition returning home, while Kuwait is depicted as liberated, reclaiming its sovereignty and freedom as an independent state.

Former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Army veteran Phil Roe stated that what (Scott) built goes beyond being merely a memorial; it is an honor to a coalition of nations that stood united in 1990 and 1991 to restore the freedom of Kuwait.

Roe added, “It is very fitting that our friends from the State of Kuwait stand with us today, as this memorial tells their story as much as it tells ours. It is an enduring international tribute to everyone who served and to everyone who sacrificed their lives during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.”