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Disabled Veterans Getting Memorial Dedicated To Their Sacrifice

By Suzanne Monaghan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - On Sunday in Washington, D.C., a new memorial will be dedicated to disabled veterans.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is the first national memorial honoring disabled vets.

45 years ago, Bruce Boice was shot while serving as a Marine in Vietnam.

"Patrol leader told us to turn around and go behind this rock, as soon as I turned around, I got hit in the lower back," he tells KYW Newsradio.

Boice received the Purple Heart, but has had to live with multiple disabilities.  He wants people to understand that injured veterans are reminded daily of the mental and physical toll of combat:

"May the 5th, that's the day I got shot. I live that day over 100 percent."

But this memorial is a symbol of the sacrifice that he and millions of others have made.

"It will be an emotionally good thing to know that we're being honored," Boice said.

The granite slabs, inscriptions, reflecting pool and ceremonial flame pay tribute to veterans from every conflict and every branch of service.

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