Global War on Terror Memorial comes to Perryville

PERRYVILLE — The traveling Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial will make its second visit to the Midwest this coming week at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial in Perryville.

The GWOT memorial, created by Veterans and Athletes United (VAU), takes the form of an American Flag, draped over a fallen service member’s casket.

It is made of over 7,000 dog tags with the names of service members who died during the 20-year Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Behind each one of the dog tags is a personal story of true heroism and selfless sacrifice,” says James Howard, Founder and President of VAU. “We hope our memorial provides an opportunity for visitors to honor, reflect, and heal. To remember all those who have given their tomorrows for our today.”

Missouri Humanities is proudly sponsoring the memorial’s second stop.

It will be on display for one week at the Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville from Tuesday, October 19 through Tuesday, October 26.

It will be on display inside the James M. Eddleman Military Museum, which is free to the public, including free parking. Open daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

While the memorial is in town, Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial will be hosting two Veterans Breakfasts.

All Veterans are welcome to enjoy a free breakfast and camaraderie with other Veterans, while honoring the fallen heroes from the Global War on Terror.

The breakfasts will be held Tuesday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 26 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. inside the Welcome Center.

For more information about Veterans and Athletes United and the memorial, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vetsau

For more information about Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial, visit: https://www.facebook.com/americaswall