(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (D-KS) and Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL) announced Thursday that their legislation, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act, had been signed into law by the President.

The new law, which passed the House unanimously in June, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The revenue gained from the new coin will help fund a new memorial near the National Mall to honor those veterans.

“More and more of our brave men and women are returning home with injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives,” Congressman Moore said. “While we can never fully communicate our gratitude for their service and sacrifice, this memorial is an important step. I am proud our government has stepped up to honor these American heroes."

The new law authorizes the creation of up to 350,000 uncirculated silver dollar coins in the year 2010. Each coin is to be sold with a $10 surcharge and could raise as much as $3.5 million for the project. The memorial will be the nation's first physical tribute specifically honoring America's disabled veterans.

“We owe everything to the thousands of disabled veterans who risked all in the service of our nation,” Congressman Kirk said. “As naval reserve officer, I am honored to join with Congressman Moore to recognize these heroes with a suitable memorial near the Capitol. The funds that the new coins will generate will allow us to appropriately thank our veterans with a lasting monument in Washington.”

Commanding an impressive two-acre site within full view of the U.S. Capitol, the Memorial will be located adjacent to the National Mall, and across Independence Avenue from the U.S. Botanic Garden, at Washington Avenue (Canal Street) and Second Street, SW.

Steven Shults, Johnson County resident and disabled Vietnam veteran, joined Moore and Kirk in praising the passage of this legislation: “This tribute is long past due for the men and women who have returned from battle not as they left. Thanks to the leadership of Congressmen Moore and Kirk, who have always been great advocates for veterans, this memorial will soon be a reality.”

For more information about the memorial, visit www.avdlm.org.