Did you know New Mexico has approximately 75 memorials dedicated to the soldiers who have served this country? Awhile back, station KRQE published an interactive map that details where each of these monuments stands. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking out the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire.
Sitting just north of Angel Fire in the Moreno Valley, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a serene spot created in honor of those who served in the armed forces.
Stacey Haase/Google Across the sprawling 30 acres, you’ll find a garden, visitors center, amphitheater, and chapel.
The white buildings create a striking sight as they appear to emerge from the landscape and stretch into the sky.
Robert Sotela/Google The chapel, seen above, was constructed in 1971 by the parents of Marine Corps First Lieutenant David Westphall. Killed during an ambush near Con Thien in 1968, Westphall’s parents dedicated the chapel in honor of their son and, as noted in a quote from his father, as “an enduring symbol of the tragedy and futility of war.”
The chapel is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week as a place of refuge, reflection, and reverence.
Atheria PsychicGal/Google Inside, you’ll find photos of soldiers killed in action, a seating area, and small memorials left by visitors.
Since the construction of that original building, the memorial has expanded to include a visitor’s center with a museum.
Sherry Steller/Google Here, you’ll find exhibits with photos, medals, uniforms, and items soldiers brought home from Vietnam.
On the grounds is a garden along with a sculpture of a soldier writing a letter home to his parents as well as a Huey helicopter used during the war.
Diann Bayes/Flickr
Have you had a chance to visit this memorial? What was your experience like?
John Jose/Google
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located just outside Angel Fire along Highway 64.
Google Maps
The grounds and chapel are always open to the public. For additional information or to purchase items from the memorial’s gift shop, visit its website or Facebook page.
Stacey Haase/Google
Across the sprawling 30 acres, you’ll find a garden, visitors center, amphitheater, and chapel.
Robert Sotela/Google
The chapel, seen above, was constructed in 1971 by the parents of Marine Corps First Lieutenant David Westphall. Killed during an ambush near Con Thien in 1968, Westphall’s parents dedicated the chapel in honor of their son and, as noted in a quote from his father, as “an enduring symbol of the tragedy and futility of war.”
Atheria PsychicGal/Google
Inside, you’ll find photos of soldiers killed in action, a seating area, and small memorials left by visitors.
Sherry Steller/Google
Here, you’ll find exhibits with photos, medals, uniforms, and items soldiers brought home from Vietnam.
Diann Bayes/Flickr
John Jose/Google
Google Maps
Address: 34 Country Club Road, Angel Fire, NM 87710 Phone: 575-377-2293 Website: vietnamveteransmemorial.org Facebook: David Westphall Veterans Foundation
There are a number of other places around the state where you can pay tribute to New Mexico’s veterans at any time of year. You can read about a few locations that are lesser-known but still fascinating in 5 Little-Known Places In New Mexico That Honor Veterans.
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Address: 34 Country Club Rd, Angel Fire, NM 87710, USA
