ShareWASHINGTON: Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah announced on Wednesday the commencement of construction of a memorial for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield at a prominent location in downtown Washington. The memorial is scheduled to be inaugurated in the fall of 2026.
In a statement to KUNA during Kuwait’s participation in the US Memorial Day commemorations, Ambassador Al-Zain said: “This historic monument is a gift from the State of Kuwait to the American people, honoring the heroism written in the lives and blood of both Americans and Kuwaitis.”
She added that the memorial “will not only stand as a witness to the past, but as a permanent symbol of a unique partnership proven strong in a pivotal moment in history, when blood was shed together on the battlefield in defense of sovereignty, freedom and justice. The monument will stand in the heart of Washington to embody and immortalize these sacrifices for future generations and to serve as a powerful message about the depth of Kuwaiti-American ties.”
The ambassador affirmed that the project reflects “the sincere appreciation of the Kuwaiti people for the historic stance of the United States during the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991. It embodies the mutual commitment to maintaining peace and promoting the shared values that continue to form the foundation of the relationship between the two nations.”
She concluded by emphasizing that the embassy’s annual participation in the Memorial Day event is “an extension of this commitment and a reflection of the spirit of loyalty and friendship that remains the cornerstone of Kuwaiti-American relations”. Memorial Day is an annual occasion to honor soldiers “who sacrificed their lives for the nation” in various American wars. It is observed every year on the last Monday of May. The first celebration of this occasion was held on May 30, 1868, at Arlington Cemetery in the Washington area. – KUNA
