Erasing Sacrifice

The Disgraceful Removal of the USAID Employee Memorial Wall

Feb 03, 2025

The recent removal of the USAID Employee Memorial Wall, which honored 99 dedicated individuals who sacrificed their lives in service to international development, is a deeply troubling act that disrespects their legacy and undermines the values they upheld.

Among those commemorated was John M. Granville, a devoted USAID diplomat who worked tirelessly in Southern Sudan. Tragically, on January 1, 2008, he was assassinated in Khartoum, Sudan, while promoting democratic initiatives.

Another honoree, Margaret Alexander, served as the Deputy Mission Director for USAID in Kathmandu, Nepal. She lost her life in a helicopter crash on September 23, 2006, while overseeing critical development projects aimed at improving the lives of Nepalese citizens.

The memorial also included names from earlier decades, such as Walter Eltringham, who died in Korea in the 1950s, and Ralph B. Swain, who lost his life in Mexico during the same period. Their contributions laid the foundation for USAID’s mission to promote global development and humanitarian assistance.

Removing this memorial dishonors these individuals and sends a disheartening message to current and future USAID employees. It suggests a disregard for the profound sacrifices made in pursuing global development and diplomacy. Memorials are enduring reminders of the cost of service and the missions' importance. Eliminating such a tribute is not just an administrative decision; it is a moral failing that diminishes the value of altruism and service to America.

In a time when the principles of international cooperation and development are paramount, preserving the memory of those who gave their lives in service is essential. The removal of the USAID Employee Memorial Wall is a reprehensible act that must be rectified to honor these heroes' legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values they stood for every day.