VFW Post 2185 in Panama City, Florida, recently served as a solemn and powerful center for remembrance, hosting the Global War on Terror (GWOT) Wall of Remembrance from Oct. 9-14, 2025. The traveling memorial drew more than 1,000 visitors from across the region, offering a space for reflection, healing and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Featuring the names of nearly 11,000 Americans who perished in service during the Global War on Terror — which the memorial defines as spanning from the 1983 Beirut bombing to the recent 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan — the Wall is a testament to the ongoing impact of conflicts that have shaped the 21st century.
Five battlefield crosses, each representing one of the military services, stand before the Global War on Terror (GWOT) Wall of Remembrance at VFW Post 2185 in Panama City, Florida, in October 2025. That month, the Post hosted the Wall over a six-day period, garnering more than 1,000 spectators.Notably, the Wall also recognizes civilians who lost their lives while supporting the nation’s efforts.
Alexandra Butler, a GWOT veteran and one of the youngest members of Post 2185, led an initiative to have the Post host the Wall. Inspired by her own experiences and driven by a desire to honor her fallen comrades, Butler discovered the Wall online and recognized the profound impact it could have on her community.
“I knew we needed to bring it here,” Butler said. “It’s so important to remember the sacrifices that were made, not just by service members, but by the civilians who supported us as well. I wanted to give our community a place to grieve, to remember and to heal.”
Butler’s passion proved contagious. Her enthusiasm inspired the members of Post 2185 to embrace the project.
A significant step for Butler was connecting with Brian Romans. A combat veteran, Romans founded the Romans Warrior Foundation, the organization responsible for transporting and maintaining the GWOT Wall of Remembrance. Since 2017, Romans has dedicated himself to the project, driven by a commitment to ensuring that the lives and sacrifices of those memorialized on the Wall are never forgotten.
After the dates were confirmed, Butler spearheaded a vigorous fundraising effort, rallying the support of her fellow Post members and forging vital partnerships with other local veteran’s service organizations, including the American Legion, AMVETS, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, 40&8 and the Disabled American Veterans.
Working together, nearly $12,000 was raised to cover the costs associated with hosting the Wall for a week-long period.
AN ATMOSPHERE OF REVERENCE
Throughout the week, guest speakers shared personal perspectives on the impact of the Global War on Terror. Another particularly engaging demonstration involved a military working dog demonstration presented by the 325th Security Forces Squadron from Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City.
Local artist J.D. Justice captured the essence of the memorial through a still life painting depicting the Wall with the VFW Post visible in the background. The painting was later presented to the Romans Warrior Foundation as a token of gratitude from the Post and the Panama City community.
Each day, as the sun began to set, the Bay Wind Community Band performed “Taps” during poignant f lag lowering ceremonies. To conclude the event, Panama City Pipes and Drums performed a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
More than 100 individuals provided essential support to guests. These volunteers assisted visitors in locating names on the wall, sharing information, providing around-the-clock security and offering a comforting presence.
Through Butler’s initiative, and with support from Post 2185, the Romans Warrior Foundation and countless volunteers, the GWOT Wall provided a vital space for reflection, healing and remembrance for the Panama City community, helping to ensure the names on the wall will never be forgotten.
This article was featured in the 2026 May/June issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Jason E. Frigon who is an Air Force veteran and current Commander of VFW Post 2185.