Vietnam Veterans Memorial — Attraction in New Mexico

If you have not been here you should go. 1st Vietnam war memorial ever built. It helped inspire the Vietnam memorial in DC. Built by a couple that lost their son is 1968 in Vietnam.

The memorial was begun by Victor and Jeanne Westphall, the grief-stricken parents of MarineFirst Lieutenant David Westphall, who was among sixteen young men in his unit killed in an ambush on May 22, 1968 in Vietnam. The Westphalls used their son's insurance policies to begin construction of the Peace and Brotherhood Chapel, with support from the Disabled American Veterans. The chapel resembles a sail and perches on the hillside overlooking the Moreno Valley. The chapel is open twenty-four hours per day. The David Westphall Veterans Foundation has since supported the operation of the memorial, which was dedicated on the anniversary of David's death in 1971. At the time of its construction, the site received national media attention and helped inspire the establishment of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., completed in 1982. In 1987, the United States Congress recognized the Disabled American Veterans Vietnam Veterans National Memorial as "a memorial of national...

The Vietnam War was the most divisive war in the history of the United States. The country was split, especially the youth, and the men and women who fought in Vietnam were misunderstood, often derided for their sacrifice and service. The War was also defined by class, as the wealthier classes were spared the fighting. As college students, we kids took to the streets, protesting the Vietnam War without acknowledging the sacrifice of our armed forces. Our contemporaries, who didn't have our money or privilege, were dying and losing their youth far away in Southeast Asia. These soldiers didn't start the war, but in our youth and ignorance, we gave them equal blame for what we thought was an unjust war. It was wrong, and I feel guilty. The Memorial in Angel Fire honors the men and women who sacrificed their lives in Vietnam. It is a beautiful, spiritual and majestic place, and evoked many emotions. I stood at this elevated monument and apologized for not understanding. May these men and women...

Angel Fire Vietnam Vet Memorial simply unique and outstanding experience. Been there three times and last in 2021. Site has been much improved since first there in 1994. I’d love to get on the road to Angel Fire in the morning. Many obstacles to overcome. First time wife and I were there there was snow on the ground/roads from Las Vegas, NM. We listened to Enya, on of her first CD releases. It was a surreal drive. Loved every minute on that terrible road up the hill. Served US Army 1965-66 / 67-68. Tet in Qui Nhon, 85th Evac. Now I’m 82 YO and lucky to get to my next VA appointment. But I do!! God bless all the Vietnam Veterans and all Veterans who proudly served their respective Service. Pride in being an American. Go to this marvelous Memorial a wonderful man erected to honor his Son who served in Vietnam and like so many of our comrades in arms did not return. God bless this benefactor and his Son. Amen...