AMVETS PLEDGES $100,000 TOWARD NATION’S FIRST MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON D.C. DEDICATED TO DISABLED VETERANS

The Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation announced today that AMVETS has pledged $100,000 toward the nation’s first permanent memorial in Washington D.C. dedicated to living disabled veterans.

“This generous contribution is a significant step forward in the final fundraising phase of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington D.C.,” said Lois Pope, chairperson of the Foundation, the not-for-profit organization charged with fundraising for the memorial. “Soon, this important Memorial will become a reality as a place to honor our disabled veterans.”

The memorial will be the first in the nation’s capital dedicated to living disabled veterans across all service branches and all areas of conflict. Commanding an impressive two-acre site between Washington Avenue SW (Canal Street), C Street SW and Second Street SW, the memorial will be within full view of the United States Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall, and across from Independence Avenue and the United States Botanic Garden.

To formally announce the pledge, AMVETS participated in the official launch of the 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar on February 25, 2010 during a reception at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. The limited-edition silver coin is the first commemorative coin issued by the United States Mint in 2010.
AMVETS National Service Foundation Executive Director Joseph Piening personally presented the first of two $50,000 checks February 25, and reaffirmed AMVETS’ support for the permanent tribute to the sacrifices of America’s diabled veterans.

“AMVETS is committed to preserving the honor of service members who have made tremendous sacrifices serving our country,” said Piening. “It is our privilege to support The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and pay tribute to brave servicemen and women permanently disabled in service to our nation.”

Following the AMVETS check presentation for the first $50,000 of their pledge, the U.S. Mint officially unveiled the commemorative coin honoring disabled veterans. The collector proof and uncirculated silver coins have a maximum mintage of 350,000. The United States Mint is offering a price of $43.95 for a proof coin and $35.95 for an uncirculated coin with proceeds from the sales going to the Foundation. Shipping and handling charges are additional.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial plans to break ground in 2010. Once completed, the memorial will be located on a 2.4-acre site adjacent to the National Mall. Its focal point will be a star-shaped reflecting pool with a single eternal flame. To make a donation or for more information, please visit www.avdlm.org. To purchase a 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar, visit www.usmint.gov.

About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

About the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation:
The Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc. was created in 1998 through the combined efforts of philanthropist Lois Pope, foundation chairman; Arthur Wilson, national adjutant of the Disabled American Veterans; and the late Jesse Brown, former secretary of Veteran Affairs. Formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Foundation's sole objective is to raise the estimated $85 million in private funds needed to design, build and permanently maintain the nation’s first memorial dedicated to living and deceased disabled veterans – The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Commanding an impressive two-acre site between Washington Avenue SW (Canal Street), C Street SW and Second Street SW, the Memorial will be within full view of the United States Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall, and across from Independence Avenue and the United States Botanic Garden. Soon, thanks for the efforts led by the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation, Inc., and supported by veterans as well as concerned and generous citizens and corporations, these soldiers will have a permanent memorial in the nation’s capital that will pay tribute to their sacrifices.