Tens of thousands of American military personnel have served in the assorted wars on terrorism that have been an unfortunate, but necessary, part of life in the 21st century. Unfortunately, thousands of these American patriots have given their lives in these crucial battles to preserve our way of life. Thousands more have suffered grievous physical and mental injuries.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who is herself a combat veteran of these wars, has been working hard to gain congressional approval of legislation to create a Global War on Terrorism Memorial to honor the sacrifices that have been made and continue to be made by our servicemen, servicewomen and their families.

Ernst and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sponsored a measure in the U.S. Senate known as the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act. The goal was to authorize a private entity – the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation – to start the process of developing such a memorial to be constructed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A companion measure was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and gained Senate approval this month.

“I am thrilled the Senate has overwhelmingly approved our bipartisan legislation, so that we can take another step closer toward honoring the brave men and women, and their loved ones, who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation with an important memorial,” said Ernst in a statement issued early this month. “It is my hope that this memorial is a place for our veterans and their families to heal, honor, and remember all those impacted by this war.”

The Times-Republican welcomes this legislation. We applaud Ernst for championing this measure. Sadly, this long struggle against terrorists shows no sign of ending soon. It is important that we show our support for those who have volunteered to wage it. They and their loved ones are undertaking truly important work.