My Humble Opinion:
It looks like a monstrosity for a few clear visual reasons:
The glowing vertical slats vegetated arch create a creepy skeletal/ribcage effect at night — more like a giant glowing spine or monster jaw than anything solemn or honoring.
The whole organic, grassy “embrace” structure feels like abstract sci-fi park art or a futuristic tunnel, not a dignified war memorial. It doesn’t evoke service, sacrifice, or the specific grit of GWOT deployments.
Compare that to the simple power of the Vietnam Wall (names reflection) or the WWII Memorial (pillars, wreaths, scale). This one is too modern-art and disconnected. No names of the fallen either.
Boots-on-the-ground vets deserve better than something that looks more like an alien artifact than a tribute. Just my honest take.
Also, what do GWOT veterans think about this memorial?!?
Shaped by the voices of 20,000 Americans, including service members, veterans and Gold Star families, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial is one step closer to becoming a reality. The newly unveiled design will stand as a lasting tribute to the generations who served, sacrificed and supported loved ones in the wake of 9/11.
gwotmemorialfoundation.org/g…
#GWOTMemorial #GWOT