In 1999, I had the honor and privilege to design a memorial for the Vietnam Veterans of Long Beach, California for a competition. Mine was the chosen as the winning design.  Since I never served our country in the military, it made me proud as an American to be able to use my creative skills and abilities in order to show my gratitude.  Through this memorial, I could honor not merely for those veterans from Long Beach, but all Americans who have given their lives in order for us to enjoy the freedoms we hold so dearly. It is my endless and emphatic "THANK YOU!"