The Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park located in Angel Fire, New Mexico overlooking the Moreno Valley, is the first and only state park in the United States dedicated exclusively to Vietnam Veterans. The Peace and Brotherhood Chapel was built by Doctor Victor Westphall and his wife Jeanne to honor their son, David, who was killed in May of 1968 in an ambush in Con Thien. The Westphall’s had purchased the 800 acres of the Val Verde Ranch to build a resort but in September of 1968 they began construction on the chapel. Santa Fe architect, Ted Luna helped Doctor Westphall finish the design and Doctor Westphall did most of the work himself. The chapel was built to honor all veterans especially those who fought in Vietnam and to help promote healing and education. Inside the chapel are photographs of thirteen Vietnam War Veterans on display. The photographs are rotated every month alphabetized by state and Davis’s photograph is permanently on display. Near the entrance is a compelling statue “Dear Mom and Dad” given to the Memorial by the artist, Doug Scott of Taos New Mexico. The life-size stature reflects a solider faced with the dilemma of writing home to his family—what can he say about what he is doing that they will understand— Doctor Westphall and his wife are both buried here and their son David is buried in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park is the only state park in New Mexico that does not charge a fee. During the building of the chapel Doctor Westphall locked the door to the chapel before leaving each evening One morning he found a note written on a piece of plywood that said “Why did you lock me out, when I needed to come in?” Since then the chapel has remained open twenty-four hours a day. It is said “the chapel is a place of reflection-all veterans who cross its threshold find a place of peace, honor and comfort.” |
