WASHINGTON, May 29:  Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, announced Wednesday the start of construction on a memorial dedicated to Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, to be located in a prominent area of downtown Washington, D.C. The memorial is set to be officially inaugurated in the fall of 2026.

Speaking to KUNA during the Kuwaiti Embassy's participation in the U.S. Memorial Day commemorations, Ambassador Al-Sabah said, “This historic memorial is a gift from the State of Kuwait to the American people in honor of the heroic deeds written with the lives and blood of Americans and Kuwaitis together.”

She emphasized that the memorial will serve not only as a tribute to past sacrifices but as a lasting symbol of the partnership forged during a critical moment in history. “It will stand in the heart of Washington as a testament to the sacrifices made in defense of sovereignty, freedom, and justice, and as a powerful message about the depth of Kuwaiti-American ties,” she added.

The ambassador underscored that the project reflects “the Kuwaiti people's sincere appreciation for the United States' historic role in the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991.” She noted that the initiative also highlights the ongoing mutual commitment to peace and shared values that continue to shape the strong relationship between both nations.

Ambassador Al-Sabah concluded by noting that the embassy's annual participation in Memorial Day observances is a continuation of that commitment. “It is a reflection of the loyalty and enduring friendship that remain the cornerstone of Kuwaiti-American relations,” she said.

Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday of May to honor American service members who lost their lives in war. The tradition dates back to May 30, 1868, when the first official ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery in the Washington, D.C. area.