On October 5, 2024, over 100 guests helped DAV commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. With the help of Theater of War Productions, attendees listened to a live performance of Sophocles’ Philoctetes, an ancient Greek play written more than 2,500 years ago.
Actors Chad Coleman, David Strathairn and Ato Blankson-Wood performed alongside a chorus of veteran leaders from the DAV community that includes Anthony Swofford, author of the book Jarhead. It was directed and facilitated by Bryan Doerries, founder and artistic director of Theater of War Productions.
After the reading, a chorus of veterans from DAV’s community reflected on the parallels between Philoctetes and the modern veteran, leading to powerful reflections and discussion.
Dennis Joyner, President of the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation, reflected on the past ten years and what the Memorial means to him.
To view photos from the event, please visit DAV’s Flickr account.