This is the DAV Vietnam Veteran s National Memorial. It is located in Angle Fire New, Mexico. I go there almost every year. It sets on one of northern New Mexico's most beautiful mountain valleys, this national shrine speaks of many things. The dignity of the men and women who fought at their countries bidding. The prayer for peace. Grief for those who died in the war. A promise of hope for America's future. With the Sangre de Cristo mountain range as a backdrop, the memorial is a place for personal inspiration... for reflection on the costs of war... for respect to those who fought, those who died, those who came home from war disabled.

Originally constructed by the family of Dr. Victor Westphall, whose son was killed in a 1968 ambush in Vietnam, the memorial is designed to make such architectural statements.

The soaring gull-like structure rises from the earth to a commanding height of 50 feet. Toward its peak, the two principal wall ascend in a powerful upward thrust at the front of the building.

The memorial's textured surface captures the constantly changing sunlight of the New Mexico mountains, giving its walls a subtle play of color that grows vivid at sunrise and sunset. Inside the memorial, the curving walls encase a nondenominational chapel and led to a tall, narrow window through which visitors look across the tranquil Moreno Valley.

The setting is one of magnificent, natural beauty. Care has been taken to protect the grounds from development, making sure they remain suited to the experience of the memorial.

The Westphall family completed this shrine in 1971.

In 1977, leaders of the Disabled American Veterans learned of Dr. Westpall's financial plight and began providing substantial funds to help carry out his mission. However , it soon became apparent that far greater assistance was needed to perpetuate the memorial for future generations. In late 1982, with Dr. Westphall's blessing, DAV officials formed a separate nonprofit organization, The DAV Vietnam Veterans National Memorial Inc., which assumed full ownership and financial responsibility for maintaining the memorial as a revered national landmark. Dr. Westphall was named to serve as the memorial;s resident director.

The DAV memorial corporation immediately purchased an additional 24 acres to protect the site;s natural environmental integrity, and on Memorial Day, 1983, the imposing chapel was rededicated as the DAV Vietnam Veterans National Memorial. One year later funds became available, including a major gift from the Adolph Coors Foundation, to break ground for the 6,000-square-foot Visitors Center. Other capital improvements centered on restoration of the memorial chapel, expansion of parking facilities, and paved walkways. In addidition, landscaping was enhanced by planting more than 100 trees and shrubs, as well as native grasses and wildflowers. All facilities are totally accessible to the handicapped. The shrine is supported by the generosity of the DAV members and other Americans who wish to see its preservation.

(All the above information was taken from the DAV Vietnam Veterans National Memorial brochure. Inside the Visitors Center is a small museum, pictures of some of the fallen, books with KIA's pictures, and statues and monuments. I go there almost every year, it is beautiful there and very moving. They have just added a Huey in flight.)

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