Following an invitation design competition in 2003, the Foundation selected Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd., of Alexandria, Virginia to design the Memorial. The graphics, text and bronze components of the Memorial were created by artist Larry Kirkland in collaboration with Cloud Gehshan Associates. Washington, DC-based architectural firm Shalom Baranes Associates was the project architect.

Following an invitation design competition in 2003, the Foundation selected Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd., of Alexandria, Virginia to design the Memorial. The graphics, text and bronze components of the Memorial were created by artist Larry Kirkland in collaboration with Cloud Gehshan Associates. Washington, DC-based architectural firm Shalom Baranes Associates was the project architect.