The Memorial was established in 1968 by Victor and Jeanne Westphall to honor their son, Lt. David Westphall, who was killed in Vietnam in May 1968. When it opened in 1971, it was one of the first Memorials of its kind in the United States dedicated to Vietnam Veterans. Until recently, it was funded and maintained by the David Westphall Veterans Foundation. The Memorial was formally transferred to New Mexico State Parks in 2005, making it the state’s 33rd park.
Now it is the only state park in the U.S. dedicated solely as a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial provides veterans, and those who honor them, a refuge in which to reflect and heal. A representative from the Department of Veterans Services is present to offer assistance to veterans who require or request it. The 6,000 square foot visitor center/museum houses exhibits, videos and memorabilia. Veterans can use on-site computers to locate friends or loved ones.
Tours are available, with advance notice by calling ahead, for schools and other groups wishing to learn more. Since its inception in 1968, it is estimated that there have been more than 2.5 million visitors. In fact, there are between 70,000 and 80,000 visitors each year. Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park is located in Angel Fire, 30 miles east from Taos on US 64.
