Veterans and some Congress members have expressed strong reservations about the newly revealed design concept for the Global War on Terrorism memorial, claiming it doesn’t adequately pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving.
Created by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the memorial features steel repurposed from combat operations and is described as an “amphitheater with a classical touch,” featuring vegetative ribbons arching across its marble surface.
At the entrance, steel and stone retrieved from the 9/11 attack site will make a statement, along with a shallow reflecting pool where visitors can leave their footprints next to those etched to symbolize “the burden of war and the varied experiences of service members and their families,” as noted by the World Counterterrorism Memorial Foundation, which plans to place the memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
However, many critics are requesting the foundation reconsider its design.
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) remarked, “This design resembles more of a landscape feature suitable for a hotel courtyard or a mini-golf course than a dignified memorial for those who fought against radical Islamic terrorism.” He suggested hiring American designers to create something more suitable.
Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), a former Navy SEAL, stated that there is bipartisan backing in Congress to oppose the proposed design, which he referred to as “the Jazz Hands monument.” He expressed strong disapproval and warned the foundation against proceeding with such a concept.
Joey Jones, a Marine Corps veteran and FOX News contributor, reflected on the end of the conflict in Afghanistan, suggesting that while survivors may feel they deserve an unappealing monument, those who rest beneath humble tombstones deserve far more than an “abstract art project.”
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), who served in the Navy and was deployed to Afghanistan, called the design “disgraceful.” He emphasized that the sacrifices made by many Americans during the Global War on Terror involved real individuals with genuine stories and should be honored with dignity rather than through abstract representations.
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation has yet to respond to requests for comments.
The foundation stated it had sought input from around 20,000 Americans across all states and territories, including military personnel and veterans from various conflicts since World War II, before settling on this design.
Additionally, they mentioned that a 23-member advisory board composed of Gold Star families, veterans, and military members was essential in shaping a design that reflected lived experiences rather than just symbolic gestures.
Kuma shared that he viewed the creation of this monument not as an abstract task but as a solemn duty. He explained that the experience and stories of those who served and their families were the guiding force behind the memorial’s concept.
“Our goal was to establish a space for reflection and connection—a living monument where nature, light, and the materials connected to this war resonate with a thankful nation,” he concluded.
