U.S. House of Representatives Committee on House Administration

06/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/26/2024 17:08

Chairman Steil, Ranking Member Morelle Rededicate Global War on Terror 'Wall Of The Fallen' Memorial

WASHINGTON - Today, the Committee on House Administration rededicated the Global War on Terror "Wall of the Fallen" Memorial outside the Rayburn Horseshoe Entrance. The memorial honors the brave men and women who gave their lives to defend our freedom during operations collectively known as the Global War on Terror. The refreshed memorial, which displays the names of 7,054 fallen U.S. service members, will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice so many brave Americans made and will act as a place of solace for Capitol visitors, members of Congress, and staff.
"Our brave men and women deserve to be honored and remembered for their great sacrifice - this memorial will ensure that is the case," Chairman Steil said. "As Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, I am honored to have worked alongside Ranking Member Morelle, the Architect of the Capitol, and the Chief Administrative Officer to better honor the Americans who gave their lives for freedom."

"Today we rededicate this Wall of the Fallen with updated names, branches of service, and rankings of the brave servicemen and women who gave the last full measure of devotion in serving our country. We thank God for their courage and conviction, and we honor them for their service to our great nation," Ranking Member Morelle said.
From Left: House Chaplain Margaret Gibben, Rep. Jim Baird, Ranking Member Joe Morelle, Chairman Bryan
Steil, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, Rep. Stephanie Bice, Rep. Brian Mast, Rep. Scott Franklin.
Background:

Chairman Steil and Ranking Member Morelle were joined at today's rededication by Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21), Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18), and Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK-05).

Congressman Mast served in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, earning medals including The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Congressman Baird is a decorated U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, as his distinguished service to our country was recognized with a Bronze Star with V device and two Purple Hearts.

Congressman Van Orden served for 26 years, retiring as a Navy SEAL Senior Chief with multiple combat tours.

Congressman Scott Franklin is a retired Naval Aviator, where he flew jets from the decks of 13 aircraft carriers during 26 years of service, including 14 years on active duty. He had numerous deployments to the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and North Atlantic, and saw combat operations in the Gulf, Bosnia, and Kosovo. He was recalled to active duty twice after 9/11 with U.S. Central Command.

The Committee has worked collaboratively with the Department of Defense to receive a list of American service men and women, their branches of service, and rankings, to honor their sacrifice in service to our nation.

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