America is a uniquely free nation based on democratic ideals and personal liberty

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On September 11, 2001 the deadliest terrorist act in world history occurred on American soil. It was the most devastating foreign attack since the attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The U.S. led response to the terrorist attacks marked the start of America’s longest ongoing war, the Global War on Terror (GWOT).

 

The Freedom Monument (GWOT) is an enduring tribute to American exceptionalism that embodies the resilient and free spirit of the people of the United States of America. The new national monument symbolizes courage, hope and triumph, the devastating cost in human life of citizens voluntarily protecting individual freedoms during the current conflict, the power of sport to change the world and a commitment to peace, with liberty, healing and justice for all.

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Honoring the legacy of American soldiers defending freedom, the monument personifies sacrifice and resiliency of a nation engaged in the longest ongoing war in its history. US Army Special Forces Staff Sergeant and cyclist Gene Arden Vance Jr (KIA 2002) and retired US Marine Sergeant and Paralympic Bronze Medalist, Rob Jones likenesses are captured in the two figures featured. A narrative chronicling their remarkable stories that remembers the fallen and supports the wounded is included in the monument.