About Desert Shield and Desert StormOn August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, fully occupying the land within 24 hours. In response, President George H.W. Bush launched Operation Desert Shield on August 7, 1990, to deter and contain potential Iraqi attacks on neighboring countries.As the deployment of hundreds of thousands of American combat forces into the Middle East grew, President Bush issued a mandate to Iraq, stating that all Iraqi troops must leave Kuwait by January 15, 1991. The deadline passed, with Kuwait still occupied by Iraqi forces. On January 17, 1991, the United States led an international coalition against Iraqi forces, a campaign that was known as Operation Desert Storm. President Bush declared a cease fire on February 28, 1991, and proclaimed the successful liberation of Kuwait. The United States of America sent a powerful message of international unity and cooperation by opposing and ejecting Iraq's occupying forces and liberating the peaceful nation of Kuwait. The mission was a remarkable example of American leadership, values, and sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom. This memorial commemorates the historical significance of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm while honoring the service and the sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces. 
NPS / Laurel Brodsky About the memorialDesert 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. 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. InscriptionsStorm 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 WallTo Honor the Service and the SacrificeOperation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm United States Army United States Marine Corps United States Navy United States Air Force United States Coast Guard Memorial timelineMay 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. |
Last updated: November 5, 2026