Memorial to give disabled vets their due (American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial)

Kansas City Star ^ | 3/25/06

[Libloather]

Memorial to give disabled vets their due
Fundraising under way for monument set to open by 2010
The Associated Press
Posted on Sat, Mar. 25, 2006

WASHINGTON — Troops returning from Iraq and other conflicts with missing limbs and shattered bodies will have a place of honor among the memorials of the nation’s capital.

Planners are raising money for a new site — nestled among the tributes to fallen war heroes from World War II, Korea and Vietnam — to salute about 3 million disabled veterans.

Interest in the memorial has increased since the Iraq war began. So far, the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation has raised more than $10 million and received support and donations from a variety of groups, including the Kansas City-based Veterans of Foreign Wars, which donated $100,000.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is expected to open in three to four years on a two-acre site near the National Mall, just steps from the Capitol.

Authorized by federal legislation in 2000, the future memorial has taken on added meaning as Americans watch a new generation of disabled veterans return from war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Now it’s even more important than ever with the number of people coming back wounded, maimed and in some cases disabled for life,” said Arthur Wilson, president of the foundation. “This will be the only war memorial that will honor the living as opposed to the deceased.”

The foundation is in the midst of a $65 million private fundraising campaign to build the memorial.

President Bill Clinton signed legislation authorizing the plan in 2000.

The memorial’s design — which is still being fine-tuned — features a reflecting pool with an eternal flame at the center, surrounded by a grove of trees. Two walls of glass will be etched with quotations from dignitaries and veterans of various wars, with comments discussing when they were injured and how they coped with being disabled.

Four 9-foot-tall bronze sculptures interspersed in openings along the glass wall will show the human body in various states of injury to suggest a sense of loss.

More information on the memorial and how to donate to the building fund can be found at www.avdlm.com .

[Libloather]

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

A Worthy and Lasting Tribute
Adding to the beauty of our nation's capital, the Memorial will soon become one of our country's treasured landmarks. It will bring together visitors of all ages and backgrounds—a fitting tribute to the brave men and women who stand watch over America

Commanding an impressive two-acre site within full view of the U.S. Capitol, the Memorial will be located adjacent to the National Mall, and across Independence Avenue from the U.S. Botanic Garden, at Washington Avenue (Canal Street) and Second Street, SW.

The Memorial Design
The Memorial's powerful, meditative design was conceived by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd. The design concept was approved in 2004 by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Through the juxtaposition of marble and glass, the Memorial will convey an interplay of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal. At this sacred spot, all of us—sons and daughters, wives, husbands and friends—will learn the value of courage, sacrifice, tenacity, loyalty and honor, by bearing witness to the experiences of our disabled heroes.

The focal point of the Memorial will be a star-shaped reflecting pool, its surface broken only by a single eternal flame. A grove of trees will stand sentry beside the pool, signifying the persistence of hope.

Dedicated to both the living and the deceased—a setting of unity or solitude—the Memorial will hold a special place in the hearts of all Americans, and will serve as a never-ending reminder to all of the cost of human conflict.

[Howlin]

Wow, this looks great.

I have to admit I was one who groaned and whined about the "new" memorial; but after seeing the World War II Memorial, which I *knew* would ruin the Mall, I take it ALL back.

My very favorite one is the Korean War Memorial, but World War II is closing fast.

Can't wait to see this one!

[Howlin]

Spread the word ping!

[onyx]

Spread the word ping, ditto!

[1035rep]

BUMP !

[BigSkyFreeper]

Thanks for the ping you two!

[OldFriend]

Bro in law is an injured WW II vet. He went on a trip to see the new WW II Memorial and was so touched and impressed.

He puts in a lot of time at his hometown VFW post.

An extra prayer for all our remaining WW II vets.

[RS]

I thought the current memorials were to honor ALL the veterans, living, disabled, or dead ...

[daybreakcoming]

BTTT

Thanks for the pings.
When I first heard about this memorial, I was hoping it would not be slanted toward these veterans as victims because each and every one are heroes in my book. These are special special people.

[MEG33]

Beautiful! I am glad they are going to be honored.

[singfreedom]

This sounds like a wonderful, long overdue, idea! I will look up the web site and send a donation! The design sounds fabulous.

Thanks for the ping, Onyx!

[Coop]

As much as I love and support our troops, I am completely tired of all the monuments and memorials.