Every year, more than 25 million people from around the world visit the National Mall in Washington, DC. The Mall is lined with important memorials, each honoring some of America’s greatest heroes. And yet, none of these monuments recognizes the millions of permanently disabled American veterans who have selflessly fought for freedom throughout our nation’s history.
This will soon change. On October 5, 2014, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, the first national memorial honoring disabled veterans, will be dedicated. It opens to the public the following day. Within sight of the U.S. Capitol, this new national landmark will serve as a constant reminder of the cost of human conflict.
I enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1969. While serving in Vietnam, a 500-pound land mine beneath our armored personnel carrier detonated, burning my body and taking my right hand and left arm. My life changed forever in that moment in Vietnam, I may have been broken in body, but never in spirit.
I later decided that I have a purpose in life — to help other military families through some of what I had to go through. I am proud to be a part of the small but mighty group of men and women who have worked tirelessly over the past sixteen years to transform this memorial from a hopeful dream into a concrete reality — a gathering place for veterans, their caregivers, families, and loved ones, and all Americans.
The memorial honors veterans with physical injuries and disabilities as well as those with “invisible” ones, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. It pays tribute to disabled heroes from all conflicts and each branch of the military, the first of the Washington monuments to honor such a broad and diverse group of Americans.
Physically, the memorial is designed to convey a combination of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal. The story of America’s disabled veterans is complex and multilayered, not easily told by a single statue or plaque. Not only does the Memorial cover more than two centuries of heroism and struggle, but also it includes the untold stories of the caregivers, family and friends of our country’s wounded warriors. A star-shaped fountain and reflecting pool, surrounded by glass walls with embedded words and images depicting personal journeys of courage and sacrifice, serve as its focal point, mirroring the flickering light of a ceremonial flame.
Combining solemn reflection and a celebration of bravery and sacrifice, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial dedication will honor those men and women whose service and struggle, on and off the field of battle, remind us of the true price of the freedoms we enjoy every day.
This month, for the first time, America will have place to pay tribute to some of our country’s most courageous heroes – our disabled veterans. I encourage my neighbors here in Texas, veterans from around the country and all those who wish to honor them, to attend the dedication ceremony on Oct. 5th. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required at the memorial’s website.
Bobby Barrera, US Marine (ret.), serves on the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, he holds a Purple Heart and National Defense Service Medal for his service, and is former Chairman of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Board of Directors. Bobby currently resides in Del Rio, Texas. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions for editorials, available at this link.
