New memorial honoring disabled veterans to open
A memorial honoring disabled American veterans will be dedicated on Sunday.
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, made out of granite and glass, commemorates veterans both alive and dead who have been disabled while serving in the military. The memorial was designed by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, a firm based in Alexandria, Va.
A March press release from the Memorial foundation described the design: "The focal point will be a star-shaped fountain, its surface broken only by a ceremonial flame. Water flows over the fountain's perimeter into a large triangular reflecting pool that mirrors the ever-changing sky, time of day and cycle of the seasons."
There will also be four sculptures by artist Larry Kirkland and three walls with glass panels and photographs, according to the statement.
Congress unanimously authorized the memorial in 2000, and President Clinton signed the measure into law. The location, a triangular shaped-spot near the U.S. Capitol and Botanic Garden, was approved in 2001.
President Obama is scheduled to speak at the public dedication, along with Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald. The memorial will be open to the public beginning Monday.
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