ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian will begin accepting submissions Nov. 11 for design of a National Native American Veterans Memorial.

The first stage of the international design competition closes Jan. 9, when a panel of veterans, designers and scholars will pick five finalists to build a memorial on museum grounds on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

In a statement, the Smithsonian said, “The international competition is open to all; students, architects, artists, designers and anyone else who wants to can submit a design.”

A Nevada lawmaker is advocating on behalf of Vietnam War helicopter pilots and crew members for a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., is sponsoring a bill that would direct Army officials to approve something more substantial than a small tree plaque and “virtual memorial” concept that has received the green light as a space-saving alternative.

At a recent hearing before the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, Amodei said he understands and appreciates “the necessity of saving all available land for grave space” at Arlington.