The National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial was dedicated on October 24 in Washington, DC, creating a lasting place to honor the service and sacrifice of those who participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Located on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the privately funded memorial also commemorates the international coalition that came together to liberate Kuwait in 1991. VHB supported the multidisciplinary project team with civil engineering, land surveying, subsurface utility engineering, and permitting services.
The memorial’s design was shaped in part through direct engagement with veterans, whose memories and perspectives informed elements throughout the space. Co-led by CSO Architects and OLIN Studio, the design creates a place where visitors can learn about the conflict and coalition while also reflecting on the experiences of those who served.
“This project is personal for me being a Desert Storm veteran myself,” said Joe Wanat, VHB Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager and U.S. Army veteran whose service included a deployment in support of Operation Desert Storm. “Like me, there are service members and families who were directly impacted by this significant event in history and need a place to reflect, mourn, and celebrate.”
Bringing the memorial from design to dedication also required careful coordination within one of the nation’s most recognizable public spaces. VHB’s work included navigating existing and future utilities, supporting the federal approval process, and designing a rainwater harvesting system that collects runoff for irrigation within the memorial site.
“We’ve been fortunate to work on several projects on the National Mall, and each one reminds us that these places belong to everyone,” said Jim Long, VHB Chief Civil Engineer and Principal-in-Charge for the memorial’s civil engineering work. “Seeing this memorial dedicated and knowing visitors will now learn about Desert Shield and Desert Storm here, is a highlight for our team.”
Developed by the National Desert Storm/Desert Shield Memorial Association with the National Park Service serving as sponsor, the memorial adds a new place of remembrance to the National Mall, preserving the story of those who served and the international coalition for generations to come.
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