Each year, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Rededication brings Gold Star Families, veterans, service members, and members of the community together at the National Infantry Museum to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.
Held during the first weekend after Labor Day, the annual gathering is more than a ceremony. It is a weekend of remembrance, storytelling, fellowship, and renewed commitment to ensuring that the names engraved on the Memorial are never forgotten.
A Weekend of Remembrance and Reunion
Since the Global War on Terrorism Memorial was first dedicated in 2017, the National Infantry Museum has welcomed Gold Star Families from every branch of the United States Armed Forces and from communities across the country.
The 2025 Rededication weekend began Friday evening, September 5, with a private dinner at the Bibb Mill Event Center. More than 350 Gold Star Family members gathered to share stories and honor the lives of their loved ones.
For many families, the annual gathering has become a reunion—a place where they can reconnect with others who understand their loss while celebrating the lives, service, and legacies of their Heroes.
Throughout the evening, family members spoke the names of their loved ones and shared the stories behind the names engraved on the Memorial’s granite panels. Following dinner, families returned to the National Infantry Museum campus for a quiet time of reflection at the Global War on Terrorism Memorial.
Remembering 7,068 American Heroes
The Rededication Ceremony was held Saturday morning and was open to the entire community. Each year, the public is encouraged to attend and demonstrate its support for Gold Star Families and its reverence for the sacrifices represented by the Memorial.
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial currently bears the names of 7,068 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who gave their lives in service to our country.
Although no new names were added to the Memorial in 2025, American service members remain deployed around the world in defense of freedom.
The ceremony’s guest speaker, retired Admiral Eric Olson, reminded those in attendance that a warrior may experience two deaths—one on the battlefield and another when their name is spoken for the final time.
Through the annual Global War on Terrorism Memorial Rededication, we ensure that the names and stories of these Heroes continue to be spoken, shared, and remembered.
Passing Their Stories to a New Generation
The Rededication Ceremony is also an opportunity to pass the meaning of service and sacrifice to a new generation.
Many of the young Soldiers now graduating from basic training at Fort Benning were not yet born when terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. Much of what they know about that day and the wars that followed has been learned in classrooms, online, through family stories, or inside the National Infantry Museum’s A Global Presence gallery.
By bringing current service members, veterans, Gold Star Families, and community members together, the Rededication weekend connects those historical events to the real people whose courage and sacrifice shaped the decades that followed.
These young service members now pick up the mantle and carry forward the legacy of those whose names appear on the Memorial.
A Community That Stands With Gold Star Families
The Rededication weekend requires the combined efforts of the National Infantry Museum, National Infantry Museum Foundation staff, volunteers, community partners, and event sponsors.
Every element of the weekend is planned with Gold Star Families at the forefront.
Through the “Show Your Badge” campaign coordinated by VisitColumbusGA, participating local businesses offered Gold Star Families access to special discounts, amenities, and activities throughout the community.
A partnership with the Columbus Clingstones also gave visiting families the opportunity to attend the team’s final home game at Columbus’ new stadium.
These experiences demonstrate that support for Gold Star Families extends beyond the Museum campus. It is shared throughout the Columbus community.
Our hope is that families will return year after year because they know they will be welcomed, supported, and surrounded by people committed to remembering their Heroes.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
The 2025 Global War on Terrorism Memorial Rededication weekend would not have been possible without the generosity of the following sponsors and supporters.
Presenting Sponsor
Lockwood Partners
Gold Star Family Gift Sponsor
Liberty
Four-Star Sponsors
 VisitColumbus GA |
 Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance |
 Dignity Memorial |
 Striffler Hamby Mortuary |
Three-Star Sponsors
 Charron Family Outreach Foundation |
 Hughston Clinic |
 Liberty Utilities |
Two-Star Sponsors
- Mr. and Mrs. Dave Erickson
- Mr. and Mrs. Tony Link
One-Star Sponsors
- LTG (Ret.) and Mrs. Tom Metz
- Mr. and Mrs. Warner Neal
Table Sponsors
- Association of the United States Army
- Colony Bank
- Northrop Grumman Defense Systems
- Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford, P.C.
- Stifel
- Townsend Wealth Management
- The Honorable and Mrs. Gary Allen
- Mr. and Mrs. Madden Hatcher
- Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hillenbrand
- Mr. and Mrs. Bill Huff
- BG (Ret.) and Mrs. Pete Jones
- Dr. and Mrs. David Lewis
- Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lumpkin
- Mrs. Jean McKee
- The Honorable and Mrs. Randy Robertson
- Mr. and Mrs. John Shinkle
- COL and Mrs. Jacob White
- Mr. and Mrs. David Williams
We also extend our gratitude to the National Infantry Museum Foundation’s Premier and Sustaining Partners for their continued support of the Museum’s mission, programs, and events.
2025 Global War on Terrorism Memorial Rededication Photo Gallery
Their Names and Stories Live On
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial is more than a collection of engraved names. Each name represents a life, a family, a story, and a legacy of service.
By gathering annually to speak their names, share their stories, and stand beside their families, we fulfill our responsibility to remember.
We are deeply grateful to every Gold Star Family member, veteran, active-duty service member, volunteer, sponsor, and community member who helped make the 2025 Rededication weekend a meaningful tribute.
Together, we will continue to ensure that these Heroes are never forgotten.
