vietnam veterans memorial

We were on a road trip from Texas back to Colorado and took the side roads from north of Santa Fe on Hwy 285 and ran across this structure that looked like a big white sail. We had no idea what it was and I was intrigued so I made my husband pull in and we stopped to take a look at what it was. I was so surprised that it was this amazing Vietnam Memorial site! I had never heard of it and it seemed like an odd place to put such an amazing tribute!We spent about and hour just wandering the grounds and the museum. It wasn't in our paln but it was well worth stopping for this very amazing place that was obviously a passion for the man who created it in honor of his son who died in Vietnam so many years ago. I would definitley reccommend taking the side trip for this one!

No greater love of a Father to his American Hero Son. Dr. Westphal dedicated this serene piece of property in honor of his son, David Westphalia who was killed in Vietnam. There is a beautiful chapel where one can have their own quiet moment to pray or just meditate. Also there is a museum with lots of information that other Veterans have donated along with write ups. A must see!

Great museum and memorial! Our high school classmate is one of the workers in the gift shop. If you are a baby boomer and lived through the 60's, this is well worth a side trip if you are traveling in the Enchanted Circle!

We have visited the Memorial on several occasions, but no visit was more memorable than when we took my brother-in-law, a Viet Nam Veteran, to visit on Veteran's Day last year. There was a service taking place but watching him walk around the displays and talk about the items there was a profound experience. He was amazed at the number and variety of items from the war that had been accumulated in this one place and was able to share some of his memories with us. It seemed to be a healing experience for him and he was touched that someone had thoughtfully established this memorial for veterans of the Viet Nam conflict. Thank you for that experience.

Arrived at the Memorial on Memorial Day. Was unaware they were having a reunion there. Many vets and great camaraderie. A freezing thunderstorm began while there but did not deter the outside program. Was pleased to be there on this special day. Very nice museum and gift shop. What a tribute this family has done for all veterans but especially those from Vietnam. Great place to stop and reflect.

There is just something majestic and peaceful about this memorial. The white building architecturally is a startling contrast to the evergreen surroundings. The displays are sometimes graphic, but that conveys truly what the soldiers and veterans went through. Definitely worth a visit if in the area.

I'm speechless as I write this. You have managed to capture the very essence of our site. I'm so glad you've had such meaningful visits here and I hope you are able to return. It's an honor to be the caretaker of a place such as this.

My Uncle Lieutenant Colonel Francis Russell Hittinger, Jr. was killed in the Vietnam War. I maintain contact with his three sons; however it took my visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to fully understand the significance of his sacrifice. i encourage all to tour this!

Beautiful location and facility. This is the first memorial to Vietnam Vets in the USA, at least according to the commercial. Being married to a disabled Vietnam Vet, this was very impressive to me.

I'm so glad your trip to the Memorial was meaningful. We try our best to make sure our visitors have an educational and moving experience.

The memorial is a tribute to both Dr. Victor Westphall and his son, U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Victor David Westphall III. David was killed in action near Con Thien, South Vietnam on May 22, 1968. The quiet serenity of the Moreno Valley is a fitting background forthe graceful lines of the chapel.

This is a wonderful memorial to the brave men and women who fought in this war. A very sad time in the history of this country and very sad for the many sacrifices that were made and the lives lost.

The memorial grounds and views are beautiful. It seemed a little difficult to figure out where to find a specific name at the memorial, but the information inside was great and the Chapel was so peaceful and nice! My boys 13 and 10 enjoyed learning as they walked around with us.

This is a serene but emotional memorial to honor those Vietnam vets who sacrificed so much for us. The story of why it was built, the exhibits, letters, and stories are so moving. The soldiers' pictures & story in the chapel bring you to tears. If you listen, you can hear the angels weep.

This is the nicest Vietnam veterans memorial we've seen. The Huey on the grounds is incredibly preserved. So much information, and such a beautiful setting. A moving tribute to the veterans of a terrible war.