Bronze vignette of three early 21st Century American soldiers rescuing an injured warrior. Visitors enter the memorial area through a visual doorway. The doorway is formed by large, dramatic walls on one side and trees on the other; it is a formal walled entrance. Upon transiting the entryways, the space opens up exposing the entire site.

Borders of sloping desert surroundings and dramatic walls serve to ensure an appropriate contemplative atmosphere for what has been developed as hallowed ground. The landscape architecture is a groundbreaking mirror of the surrounding desert geology. Desert-inspired angles and planes interplay with a carefully sculpted landscape, creating a cutting-edge setting for this world-class memorial. Walking along desert-hued pathways, individuals approach a central plaza where stands a dramatic bronze vignette of three modern soldiers rescuing an injured warrior. Full of emotion, movement, and drama, these accurately detailed figures stand seven and a half feet tall. One soldier half-carries his fellow warrior up an inclined ramp towards a flag to which he stares, while two soldiers from various branches valiantly assist. They stand atop a plinth formed of angular, disjointed granite blocks suggesting the rubble of battle. The scene encapsulates the contradicting aspects of heroism, fear, honor, terror, and dedication that are inherent in this sculpture group. Behind this sculpture group, asymmetrical steps rise to a stage-like area, back-dropped by five large staggered granite walls upon which are etched powerful quotes from throughout history. The words help communicate the essence of the veteran experience and powerfully set the backdrop for the entire memorial. The national memorial and park is a monument recognizing the service and sacrifice of American veterans and their families. The two-acre site features eighteen larger-than-life statues, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror.

The reverential park-like setting provides a quiet and introspective atmosphere. It is a place to contemplate the common bond of service, a place for a reunion, reflection, and healing, and expresses our debt of gratitude to all generations of American veterans and their families for their sacrifice and dedication. At the same time, it serves as a reminder that we should forever honor the proud principles upon which our nation was founded, and that we will never forget the spirit and heroism of those who have, and will, answer the call of duty.