The American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Bartholdi Park National Mall

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial is located in the District of Columbia, near the National Mall.

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Summary

This memorial is dedicated to the men and women who have been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Here is a summary of reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit based on multiple independent sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Honoring Disabled Veterans: The memorial serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by disabled veterans, recognizing their courage, resilience, and strength.
2. Educational Experience: Visitors can learn about the history and challenges faced by disabled veterans, raising awareness and fostering appreciation for their service.
3. Reflective Atmosphere: The memorial offers a serene environment for reflection and remembrance, allowing visitors to pay their respects and honor the disabled veterans.

Points of Interest:
1. The Wall of Gratitude: This prominent feature of the memorial consists of a granite wall with a cascading waterfall, displaying quotations and personal messages of gratitude from the American public to disabled veterans.
2. Glass Gallery: The memorial includes a Glass Gallery with exhibits that depict the experiences of disabled veterans, their struggles, and their determination to overcome adversity.
3. Outdoor Plaza: The outdoor space of the memorial provides an open area for visitors to gather, reflect, and appreciate the memorial's architectural design.

Interesting Facts:
1. Design: The memorial was designed by architect Michael Vergason and includes an innovative combination of elements, such as water, glass, and stone, to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
2. Dedication: The American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial was officially dedicated on October 5, 2014, after decades of advocacy and fundraising efforts.
3. Accessibility: The memorial is designed to be fully accessible to disabled individuals, providing ramps, paths, and braille signage to ensure inclusivity.

Best Time to Visit:
The spring and fall seasons are generally considered the best times to visit the American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, as the weather is mild with pleasant temperatures. Additionally, weekdays, especially early mornings or late afternoons, tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and contemplative visit.

It is important to note that while efforts have been made to provide accurate information, it is always recommended to verify the details and check for any updates or changes before planning a visit to the American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial.

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THE AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED FOR LIFE MEMORIAL

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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