Veterans Memorial

  The memorial is proposed to be made of stainless steel which is approximately 32 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The interior surface of the panels is polished and highly reflective with the brushed finish exterior being graffiti resistant. Suspended within the protective steel structure is an 8 foot long crystal, constructed with 400 pieces of  dichroic glass. Developed by the aerospace industry, dichroic glass has a crystal coating which does not denegrate over time. It both reflects and refracts light, producing a different color on each side. The crystal will exhibit an array of 56 colors. LED fixtures will downlight the interior of the memorial at night and the glass will cast multi-colored patterns on the interior surface and adjacent paving. Visitors will be enticed to walk around, and through the structure to discover the crystal within.
 
  
The concept for the memorial includes five brushed stainless steel plates with each representing one of the five major branches of military service. The steel plates wrap around and protect a crystal suspended in the middle of the memorial. The crystal embodies the spirit and virtues of the United States of America. Its beauty is fragile in contrast to the steel plates that protect it. It represents every man and woman who has enlisted in the armed forces to protect our families and serve the community

Design Concept:
 

In April 2006, the Tempe City Council approved placing the Veterans Memorial in the Rio Salado. For more information contact Rio Salado at 480-350-8625.

To donate to the Veterans Tribute Fund, a 501C3 Corporation, contact Joe Spracale, 51 E. Yvonne Lane, Tempe, Arizona 85284 or call (480) 940-0958.