Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial
Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial
https://www.ndswm.org/dedication-ceremony
Dedication Ceremony details
Effective: January 11, 2026
Updated: January 14, 2026
The Dedication Ceremony for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial will take place on
Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.
The ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the southwest corner of Constitution
Avenue and 23rd Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Group Hotel
The National Desert Storm Memorial Association has secured a block of hotel rooms at the
Fairmont Hotel, located approximately one mile from the ceremony site.
Room rates start at $299 per night.
Rooms booked with our group at the Fairmont Hotel on Friday, October 23, 2026, will include
a full breakfast on Saturday, October 24, 2026 only. This special breakfast is only for guests
booked with our group at this Group Hotel.
Our contracted special rates are available for check-in beginning October 17, 2026, through
check-out on October 26, 2026. Guests may book one night or multiple nights and still receive
the discounted rate.
Book a hotel room here:
https://bit.ly/CeremonyGroupHotel
If you need an ADA-accessible hotel room, please contact the hotel directly and use our group
name:
Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial
ADA Accessibility (Ceremony)
ADA-accessible seating will be available at the ceremony.
Because the ceremony is open to the public and we are unable to determine attendance numbers,
ADA seating reservations will open on August 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Reserved ADA seating will be for one individual requiring ADA access and one additional
helper.
Due to the public nature of the ceremony, we will maintain a confirmed ADA reservation list
and a waitlist.
When making a reservation, it will be helpful to us if you can indicate if you have a wheelchair,
scooter, walker, etc. Also let us know if you will have a helper.
Point of Contact for ADA reservations and waitlist (beginning August 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
EDT):
jill.etter@ndswm.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the name, address, and phone number of the group hotel?
Fairmont Hotel
2401 M Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 429-2400
What is the hotel’s website if I would like to learn more about the property?
You may visit the Fairmont Washington, D.C. website here:
https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/fairmont-washington.html
Are larger hotel suites at the Fairmont available at discounted rates?
Yes (a few). If discounted suites do not appear in the reservation link (or if it appears as if they
are sold out), please contact the hotel directly and reference the Desert Shield and Desert
Storm Memorial group.
Is there a hotel reservation deadline?
Yes. Reservations must be made by Friday, October 2, 2026, to qualify for the group rate, or
until all contracted rooms are reserved. Guests are strongly encouraged to book their hotel
accommodations as early as possible.
Will my credit card be charged when I make my hotel reservation?
No. Your credit card will be used to secure the reservation but will not be charged at the time of
booking.
Does the hotel charge an early departure fee?
Yes. The hotel will charge an early departure fee of one night’s room rate (and tax) for guests
who depart prior to their confirmed departure date. Guests may change their departure date to an
earlier date without penalty up to and including the time of registration.
What is the hotel’s cancellation policy?
Individual reservations may be canceled up to 72 hours prior to arrival. Reservations not
canceled within 72 hours of arrival will be subject to a one-night room charge as a penalty.
Is the National Desert Storm Memorial Association planning to add additional hotel room
blocks with other hotels?
No. At this time, the National Desert Storm Memorial Association is contracting room blocks
with one hotel only.
Will the National Desert Storm Memorial Association provide transportation from the
Group Hotel to the Ceremony?
No. At this time, the National Desert Storm Memorial Association will not be providing
transportation. If this changes, Group Hotel Guests will be notified. The ceremony site is
approximately a one-mile walk from the Group Hotel, and guests may also use Uber, Lyft, taxi
services, or similar transportation options.
Please note: Parking near the ceremony site will be very limited or unavailable, so
Ceremony attendees should not plan to park a personal vehicle.
Do I need to RSVP or register to attend the public Dedication Ceremony?
No. The ceremony is open to the public, and no RSVP or registration is required. We look
forward to welcoming all who wish to attend.
How can I get an invitation to the ceremony?
Because the ceremony is open to the public, an invitation is not required to attend, and a limited
number of printed invitations are being reserved for protocol and logistical purposes. We look
forward to welcoming all who wish to attend.
Will there be a parade before, during, or after the ceremony?
The National Desert Storm Memorial Association has no knowledge of any parade activity and
will not be coordinating any parade activity in conjunction with the Dedication Ceremony.
Other than the ceremony, are there any other public events planned for veterans while they
are in Washington, D.C.?
The Dedication Ceremony is the only public event being organized by the National Desert Storm
Memorial Association.
What is the earliest time I may be allowed entry to the ceremony site?
Arrival details will be provided in September 2026.
Are there any honor flights planned for Operation Desert Storm veterans?
The National Desert Storm Memorial Association will not be coordinating honor flight activity.
We suggest contacting an honor flight organization in your state or your local VSO.
Will food or drink be available at the Dedication Ceremony?
No.
Will restrooms be available at the Dedication Ceremony?
Yes.
Other than ADA-reserved seating, can seats be reserved by contacting the National Desert
Storm Memorial Association?
No.
Will the ceremony be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person?
Yes. A link will be provided approximately two weeks prior to the ceremony.
Is there a dress code for the ceremony?
Although this is a public ceremony and a wide range of attire is typical at public events, our
recommendation is that guests dress in a manner that honors this historic and honorable
occasion. On the stage, you will see men wearing a suit or military dress uniform, with females
wearing the equivalent.
Can I visit the memorial prior to October 24, 2026?
The memorial will be fenced and unavailable for public viewing until the time of the Dedication
Ceremony.
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