Perched on a hill across from Angel Fire town in New Mexico stands a modern white edifice. Driving through the resort community, you’ll see the signs pointing to the Vietnam Memorial and think, “I think I’ll skip that. I want to get to the lake.” Don’t listen to your inner voice. Turn up the road and head to the monument. Pay tribute to our fallen heroes.
Following the death of their son, U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Victor David Westphall III, Jeanne and Dr. Victor Westphall began construction of the Vietnam Veterans Peace and Brotherhood Chapel to honor the memory of their son and the sixteen men that died with him near Con Thien, South Vietnam on May 22, 1968.
David’s mother, Jeanne Westphall, suggested that the money from David’s life insurance policies be used to create the “Vietnam Veterans Peace and Brotherhood Chapel.” She and David’s father, Dr. Victor Westphall dedicated the rest of their lives to seeing this vision become a reality.
The Chapel was dedicated on May 22, 1971, the 3rd anniversary of the death of 1st Lt. David Westphall. It was the first major memorial created to honor the veterans of the Vietnam War, and inspired the establishment of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., which was completed over ten years later, in 1982.
The memorial includes a beautiful park and museum, the latter of which is truly amazing. Plan to spend at least 3 hours at this beautiful place of remembrance.
The park is open 24-hours. For information on museum hours and events, consult their website: