EXCERPTS FROM THE FOUNDATION'S VISITOR'S GUIDE

The Foundation's Visitor's Guide describes the Memorial as it existed when the property was donated to the State of New Mexico. Excerpts from that Guide are shown below. When changes to the Memorial are made by New Mexico State Parks, the Guide will be updated periodically.

THE CHAPEL:
The Chapel was constructed beginning in September of 1968 by Dr. and Mrs. Victor Westphall, following the death of their son in Vietnam. This unique and beautiful building was designed by Santa Fe architect Ted Luna. It was the first effort on a national scale to honor Vietnam veterans. Building a memorial to honor Vietnam veterans was not popular at the time, so the Westphall family had to rely primarily on its own financial resources. However, the family persevered and the Chapel was dedicated on May 22, 1971--the third anniversary of the death of Lt. David Westphall, USMC.

The Chapel In Winter

Photo Copyright Laurence Parent - With Permission

Early in the history of the Chapel, Dr. Westphall had a vision that there must be 13 photographs of Vietnam War dead in the Chapel at a time and that the original 13-star flag of the United States should be flown over the Memorial. One and a half years later, the Westphalls learned that there were 13 Marines killed in action in the ambush in which David Westphall lost his life.

During the building phase, Dr. Westphall, from force of habit, locked the entrance door to the Chapel each evening. One morning he found a message written on a piece of scrap plywood that asked, "Why did you lock me out, when I needed to come in?" Since that time, the Chapel doors have never been locked. The Chapel is a place of reflection. All veterans who cross its threshold find a place of peace, honor, and comfort.

VISITORS CENTER:
The 6,000 square foot Visitors center was dedicated in 1986. It was constructed to provide various displays and services for visitors and to house the Foundation's offices. It now houses State Parks offices as well. Inside the foyer of the building is a large map of Vietnam with accompanying historical information, including information about the Vietnam War. Also on display is the 1987 proclamation by President Ronald Reagan and the United State Congress that recognizes the Memorial as a monument of national significance. Major features of the Visitors Center are described below.

Photos of Vietnam War dead:
Located in the Veterans Room is a gallery of photographs of Vietnam War dead. Families and friends have been donating these photographs to the Memorial since 1968. Often, people have made a pilgrimage to the Memorial to deliver a photograph in person. Others were sent by mail, and a few were simply left in the Chapel. The Memorial continues to accept additional photographs, and will process them for display promptly. The Veterans Room also houses an information kiosk, which includes information about Vietnam veterans and about the Vietnam War, various scrapbooks, photogrpahs, sculptures, and memorabilia.

Exhibit Area:
In this room, you will find large, dramatic pictures of events from the Vietnam War. Included are scenes from combat as well as scenes showing everyday life in Vietnam. Also on exhibit are a number of small sculptures. There are panels with facts about the Vietnam War or with poignant thoughts about the Vietnam experience. The original scale model of Glenna Goodacre's Women's Memorial was presented to the Memorial on Veterans Day 1995 and is on display in the Exhibit Area.

Media Room:
This room has a large screen onto which movies or slide presentations can be projected. Films that have been used for educational purposes in this facility include the Emmy-winning documentary "Dear Amrerica: Letters Home from Vietnam." The film is based on the book of the same name edited by Bernard Edleman.

THE HUEY HELICOPTER:
The helicopter that is on static display near the upper parking lot is a Bell UH-1 Iroquois aircraft that saw extensive action in Vietnam. This HUEY was given to the Memorial by the New Mexico Army National Guard. The HUEY was important to Vietnam veterans as a means of transportation in a variety of situations, many involving life and death. The Memorial's HUEY was once damaged so badly in action that it had to be transported to a repair depot for major repairs before it could return to duty. The dedication of the HUEY was attended by CWO-4 Larry McDonald, USA retired, who was one of the many Army pilots who flew the aircraft in Vietnam.

THE BLUE STAR MEMORIAL BY-WAY:
One of major features on the grounds of the Memorial is a memorial garden built and maintained by the Angel Fire Garden Club as a tribute to America's armed forces. The Memorial's garden has a water feature and includes a wide variety of colorful plants. Nearby are two beautiful benches on which visitors can sit and reflect upon the garden, the Chapel, and the beautiful mountain setting in which the complex is located. Doug Scott's statue titled "Dear Mom and Dad" looks out onto the garden.