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In preparation for the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission meeting today, the News Media Alliance submitted a written statement to show its support for the establishment of a Fallen Journalists Memorial on federal land in Washington, D.C. Members of the House and Senate introduced legislation (H.R. 3465/S.1969) in June that would start the process for a memorial honoring journalists who have been hurt or killed while in the process of reporting the news. If approved, the memorial would be created through private funds.
At the meeting, the Commission will review the legislation that would specifically authorize the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation to undertake the process to plan, design and build a memorial. The Commission must give the Memorial a positive recommendation in order for the planning process to move forward.
News Media Alliance President & CEO David Chavern stated, “Over our nation’s history, hundreds of U.S. journalists have died doing their jobs so that the American public could stay informed on important matters of the day and world events. When a journalist is killed in the line of duty, the entire community suffers, but outside of their newsrooms, they rarely receive the recognition they deserve for their sacrifice. We strongly encourage the Commission to support our efforts for this memorial and recommend its establishment to the U.S. Congress.”
Given increased attacks on members of the press in recent years, the Alliance believes the time is right for a memorial to honor the journalists who have given their lives in pursuit of the truth. The memorial will also serve as a reminder of the importance of journalism and a free press to a strong democratic society.
For more information, visit the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation.
Members of the News/Media Alliance staff have contributed to this post.
