There are monuments and memorials in Washington D.C. to honor every branch of the military and many conflicts over the years, but not for our disabled Veterans. Until now..

Since the Revolutionary War, some 35 conflicts in total, over 2 million have given their lives. But many have given just as much it seems sometime; our wounded and disabled veterans. The project was started back in 1997 and now a reality.

It is said that the number of surviving disabled veterans today is over 3 million, yet there is no monument or memorial to honor their sacrifice. On 5 October 2014, that is no longer true.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial (click on link for website) was opened yesterday in Washington D.C. to thousands of people who waited in line to see first hand, a monument built to honor themselves, family and friends who have been wounded and/or disabled in combat.

Through the juxtaposition of granite and glass, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial conveys a combination of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal. At this sacred spot, all of us—sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, wives, husbands and friends—have the opportunity to learn the important lessons of courage, sacrifice, tenacity, loyalty and honor by bearing witness to the experiences of our heroes who are disabled. The focal point of the Memorial is a star-shaped fountain, its surface broken only by a single ceremonial flame. A grove of trees stands sentry beside the reflecting pool, signifying the persistence of hope. Dedicated to both the living and the deceased—a setting for coming together or quiet meditation—the Memorial holds a special place in the hearts of all Americans, and serves as a never-ending reminder to all of the cost of human conflict.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial (150 Washington Ave., SW) is located next to the United States Botanic Garden Bartholdi Park off I-395 in Washington D.C.

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