Design and Construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc. (DVLMF) a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded by philanthropist Lois Pope, the late Jesse Brown, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant for the DAV.
To create a national memorial on federal lands in the nation’s capitol to honor disabled veterans who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces; to inform and educate the general public about disabled veterans’ related activities; and to accomplish all other purposes authorized by law.
Public Law 106-348 authorized DVLMF to establish a memorial in D.C. at 2nd St. SW and Washington Ave., within direct sight of the U.S. Capitol. The site was approved by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). The Michael Vergason Landscape Architects firm was selected in a national competition in 2002 for their design concept which was approved by the NCPC and the CFA in 2004.
- Commemorate the sacrifices and dedication of disabled veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces throughout America's history.
- Educate generations of Americans about the courage and sacrifice of disabled veterans and the immense personal adversity they continue to suffer for our freedom, long after their tour of duty is done.
- Provide America’s 3 million living disabled veterans and their families with an historic place for solace and for healing.
- The Commemorative Coin Bill has unanimously passed in the House and Senate and was signed by the President on July 17, 2008. The coins will be minted in early 2010.
- Over $70 million raised to date, including pledges
- Additional amount needed: $16 million (Design, Engineering, Educational Campaign, Equipment, Construction and Administration)
