American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, National memorial for disabled veterans in Washington, D.C., United States
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is a national memorial in Washington, D.C. that honors disabled veterans. It features a star-shaped fountain with an eternal flame, a triangular reflecting pool, and glass panels displaying photographs and personal stories of veterans.
Congress approved the memorial in 2000, leading to its construction and dedication by President Barack Obama on October 5, 2014. This establishment marked a turning point in recognizing disabled veterans in the national landscape.
Forty-eight glass panels display personal stories and quotes from disabled veterans, showing how they have rebuilt their lives after injury. The words come from people who experienced different challenges and now share their perspectives with visitors.
The memorial sits near the Capitol Building and is easily reached by Metro, especially via Federal Center SW and Capitol South stations. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and wear shoes with good traction.
Each glass panel weighs about 1,800 pounds and is engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds while remaining transparent. Despite their robustness, the panels are designed to let light pass through so stories remain clearly visible.
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