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'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.

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