Disabled veterans memorial campaign gains momentum.

Through a major corporate donation and serious matching funds challenge, the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation picked up steam on its goal to build a prominent place of honor in full view of the U.S. Capitol Building.

The Fifth Third Foundation of Fifth Third Bank, announced a $500,000 matching gift for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and philanthropist Lois Pope issued a national challenge for each state to raise $5 million, for which she vowed to donate matching funds.

"This outpouring of support and remark able generosity puts us well on our way to making this memorial a reality," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson and president of the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation. "Fifth Third's contribution, our first major gift from a corporate foundation, shows their recognition of the men and women who have been hurt defending freedom. Mrs. Pope's challenge gives us needed momentum as we encourage individuals and organizations to commit to this very worthy cause."

Pope is a co-founder and chairperson of the foundation, which intends to build the memorial on a two-plus acre site across from the U.S. Botanic Gardens using strictly private sector funds.

"The memorial will serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices our veterans have made and continue to make long after their honorable service in uniform has ended," Wilson said. "At a time when we struggle to be heard on Capitol Hill, this will serve as a visible reminder to our nation's leaders of the contributions of disabled veterans."

More than $10 million has been raised for the project to date.

The Disabled Vetereans' LIFE Memorial Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise the funds necessary to design, construct and maintain the memorial. For more information, visit www.avdlm.org.