Welcome Home to All Veterans

First Lieutenant David Westphall was among sixteen Marines killed in an ambush in Con Thien, Vietnam May 22, 1968. The grieving Westphalls used David's insurance policies as a catalyst for the

 

First Lieutenant David Westphall was among sixteen Marines killed in an ambush in Con Thien, Vietnam May 22, 1968.  The grieving Westphalls used David's insurance policies as a catalyst for the construction of the Peace and Brotherhood Chapel and formed the David Westphall Veterans Foundation to support this memorial.  

The Memorial was constructed from 1968-1971 and was the first major Vietnam memorial in the United States.  The site received wide attention in the 1970's and helped inspire the establishment of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1982.    A visitor center was constructed in 1985 which is mostly underground so it doesn't detract from the dramatic architecture of the chapel.  In 1987, Congress also recognized Angel Fire as a Memorial of national significance.  Angel Fire is a special, emotional and powerful place for America's Vietnam veterans and hosts thousands of visitors annually.

Over the years the David Westphall Veterans Foundation struggled constantly to bring in funds so they could maintain the chapel and the visitor center.  November 11, 2005, the site became the 33rd New Mexico State Park.  This partenership between State Parks and the Foundation makes capital improvements possible.  Educational outreach programs  are being developed so that the message of honoring veterans can be taken to our younger generation.  The mission of Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park is to remember and honor Vietnam veterans, provide educational opportunities for the public and maintain a haven for healing and reconciliation.

This amazing site and legacy was all begun 40 years ago with the vision of the Westphall family and truly honors not only their son, David, but all veterans.

 

 

 

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