A new tribute to servicemembers, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, will be recognized in a ceremony on Oct. 5.
According to The Washington Post, the tribute has been built to honor veterans who have been physically and mentally wounded from war. The memorial's website noted that its construction has been in the works since 1997, when veterans' advocates realized that Washington, D.C., while filled with memorials, was missing one that recognized soldiers disabled due to combat.
They set out to create a place that recognized the sacrifices of all branches of the armed forces throughout the entire history of the U.S. For over a decade, the team has been going through the 24-step process of establishing a memorial in Washington. On Sunday, their efforts will finally come to fruition.
The Post noted that the memorial will consist of a reflecting pool surrounded by granite and glass panels with 18 quotes meant to summarize and honor the struggles faced by veterans throughout history.
The tribute is located in the heart of the nation's capital, next to the U.S. Botanic Garden. After Sunday's ceremony, it will officially be open to the public.