Description of the Memorial
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial serves as a national public tribute to over three million living disabled American veterans and the countless hundreds of thousands who have died. Nestled in a 2.4-acre triangular site across from the U.S. Botanic Garden and within sight of the U.S. Capitol, this memorial serves as a constant reminder for Congress of the human cost of war and the necessity to support America’s veterans. The memorial was dedicated on October 5, 2014, by former President Barack Obama during a ceremony attended by over 3,000 disabled veterans, dignitaries, and guests. Notable speakers included Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, and actor Gary Sinise, who is the national spokesman for the Memorial.
Location
150 Washington Ave., SW (Washington Ave. and Second St. SW), Washington DC.
The memorial is situated just south of the National Mall, near the U.S. Capitol Building. To access the area conveniently, public transportation is the recommended option. The closest Metro stations are Federal Center and Capitol South.
Designed to convey an interplay of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal, the memorial features a star-shaped reflecting pool as its focal point. The design includes three walls of laminated glass adorned with text and images, alongside four bronze sculptures that narrate the story of the disabled veteran’s journey from service through trauma, healing, and purpose discovery. The design was conceived by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd. Final approvals were granted by the Commission of Fine Arts in 2009 and the National Capital Planning Commission in 2010. The project was made possible through private contributions, emphasizing its significance in educating and reminding Americans of the sacrifices made by disabled veterans and their families for the sake of freedom.
Website: www.avdlm.org
Established in 1998, the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc. was formed through the efforts of philanthropist Lois Pope, foundation chairman; Arthur Wilson, national adjutant of the Disabled American Veterans; and the late Jesse Brown, former secretary of Veteran Affairs. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization successfully raised the $81.2 million required to design, build, and maintain the nation’s first memorial dedicated to both living and deceased disabled veterans.
Nearby Attractions
- U.S. Botanic Garden
- U.S. Capitol Building and Visitor Center
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National Air and Space Museum
