By Chris Elder (02/16/2026)

House Bill 2514 — the proposal to establish a Global War on Terror memorial on the Washington State Capitol campus — is currently sitting in the House Rules Committee. For it to move forward, it must be advanced for a full vote of the Washington State House. If it does not, the effort risks stalling this legislative session.

I testified in Olympia on February 3 in support of this bill as a Snohomish resident, retired U.S. Sailor, and veteran advocate. My position is straightforward: this proposal deserves open consideration and a vote.

For many Washington veterans and families, this isn’t about politics or wording. It’s about remembrance.

Washingtonians served for more than two decades in the conflicts that followed September 11. Some never came home. Many returned carrying the weight of those years for the rest of their lives. Memorials exist to acknowledge that reality and preserve it for future generations.

“Never Forget” was never meant to be a slogan. It was a commitment.

Memorials are not about glorifying war. They are about preserving history, honoring sacrifice, and helping future generations understand the real cost of service. When memory fades, accountability fades with it.

HB 2514 has already moved through committee. The next step is allowing it to be considered by the full Washington State House.

That decision matters — not just for veterans, but for how Washington chooses to remember a defining period in our state and nation’s history.

If this issue matters to you, consider reaching out to your Washington State legislators and sharing your perspective. Civic participation is how decisions like this move forward.

We remember.

We honor.

And we will not forget.

Here is my testimony notes

9/11 Memorial – HB 2514

Good afternoon, Chair and members of the committee.

My name is Chris Elder, a resident of Snohomish. 

I am a retired U.S. Sailor who served multiple Global War on Terrorism deployments, and I am also a veteran advocate with the Mil2Vet Veteran Podcast. 

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

One of the core mottos that came out of September 11th was “Never Forget.”

I know I will never forget.

But “Never Forget” was not just a slogan—it was a commitment. A commitment to remember what happened, why it happened, and the men and women who answered the call in the years that followed.

The Global War on Terror spans more than two decades. Thousands of Washingtonians served. Some never came home. Many came home changed. Their service is not abstract—it is living history.

Memorials like the one proposed in this bill are not about glorifying war. They are about preserving history and honoring sacrifice. When we lose the memory of a war, we lose accountability for the decisions made and the costs paid by real people.

These memorials serve another critical purpose: education. They ensure that future generations understand that freedom has a cost, and that the post-9/11 conflicts were not distant events, but defining chapters in our nation’s story.

Veterans of the post-9/11 era upheld their commitment to this country.

It is time for Washington State to uphold its commitment to them.

Passing this bill is one small but meaningful way to say: We remember. We honor. And we will not forget.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

MIL2VET

MIL2VETNetwork The MIL2VET Network is a comprehensive ecosystem dedicated to supporting veterans, transitioning military service members, and their families as they navigate the journey to civilian life. This robust network provides access to an array of resources, guidance, and support tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by veterans. With a focus on essential areas such as career transition, education, mental health, and community integration, MIL2VET is committed to empowering veterans for success in post-service life. By fostering a nurturing and understanding community, MIL2VET stands as a beacon of support, ready to assist veterans and their families every step of the way. ReturnToRoots Podcast As a key component of the MIL2VET ecosystem, the ReturnToRoots Podcast delves into the heart of the veteran experience, offering insightful narratives on the personal and professional journeys of those who have transitioned from military to civilian life. This platform elevates the voices of veterans, sharing their stories, insights, and triumphs. Through engaging, one-on-one conversations with veterans from diverse backgrounds, the podcast serves as a wellspring of inspiration and practical advice. The MIL2VET ReturnToRoots Podcast celebrates the resilience and diversity within the veteran community, inspiring listeners to share their stories and glean wisdom from the experiences of their peers. Veterans’ Series Forum The Veterans’ Series Forum is an innovative Live Stream Networking event, expanding the MIL2VET Network into a virtual realm where veterans can forge connections, engage in meaningful dialogue, and network with peers, resource providers, and industry influencers. This live-streamed platform effectively closes the gap between veterans and the essential resources they seek, enabling real-time interaction, discussion, and collaborative opportunities. Through workshops, panels, and Q&A sessions, participants gain firsthand access to a wealth of information and opportunities specifically curated to meet their needs. The Veterans’ Series Forum is a pioneering space designed to strengthen connections, share invaluable knowledge, and cultivate a robust, interconnected veteran community.

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