Virginia XIII

Last year, while wandering the Marine Corp Museum in Triangle, Virginia, I came a cross an area that, at least from the road was difficult to get to without climbing guard rails, etc. so, that's what I did. I had been down to see the Take Me Home Huey exhibit featured at the Museum on Memorial Day weekend. You can find more info on this fantastic project elsewhere on A Means to Heal, too.

Good choice. I found a memorial to military dogs and a few mentions of Vietnam service along the walkway, which, it turns out was easily accessible form elsewhere. I will write about these at a future date.

This memorial to the class of '67 includes the name of Victor David Westphall whose parents built the first national memorial in Angle Fire New Mexico after Victor was killed in 'Nam. I have featured this spectacular site elsewhere on this effort and have often said that seeing the memorial in new Mexico is largely responsible for this on going project, to honor as many as possible.

The memorial honors the 39 men from BOC class 5, 1967 who were lost in 'Nam. they became known as the boys of '67 and Lt Westphall was one of them.

 A reminder to us all.


Next time, on the28th, we will venture back to Oregon, so, as always, join me there at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from Virginia, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

New Mexico 3

This first picture is of the chapel from a different view. I have read that from some angles it has been described as a "Sail" like structure. This picture makes me think of a plane taking off, perhaps from an Aircraft Carrier.

The inside of the visitors center has a variety of exhibits, a film and other interesting artifacts including books filled with the photos not currently on display. One thing that caught my eye was a poster from the era. It helped me to recall that Americans, in particular, will always find a way to insert humor into even the worst of situations.

The inside of the chapel, as stated before, is very simple, with padded, amphitheater like seating. The slim, ceiling to floor, window looks out at the mountains and allows in a little light. You will note that visitors leave various mementos here, too.

The display area is opposite the window. The picture in the middle is of David Westphall and the others are the ones that rotate throughout the year.

New Mexico 2

The site contains additional points of interest. There is a "Huey" which as stated in prior posts is seen fairly regularly. A marker commemorates the fact that Dr. Westphall took soil from the site and spread it in Vietnam at the site of his son's ambush. The day I was there was a day or two before Memorial Day and the marker was covered with mementos from visitors. These were gone a couple of days later when I visited again.

As noted earlier the Walk of Honor is open to anyone who would like to honor a solder. As seen in the picture, the group holds many memories and loved ones.

New Mexico

The New Mexico site is one of the first I ever visited, more than 20 years ago. To some degree it was the one that set this whole process in motion. I first saw a news report, many years prior to my first trip about how a father was building a memorial to his lost son. The story said that the father laid every stone for the memorial himself. He wanted to build a place of peace, honoring all involved in the war, no matter which side they were on!

Located about 25 miles east of Taos, through the Carson National Forest, is the ski area of Angel Fire. The Westphall family owned land there that they planned to turn into a resort. After the loss of their son these plans were abandoned and the memorial was built. Dr. Westphall began construction five days after his son, David, was killed. The chapel that Dr. Westphall built is a simple, non-denominational sanctuary where a photo of his son David is always on display. In addition, a number of other photos are rotated each month. There have so many now that individual states are featured each month. The memorial is considered a National Monument and therefore honors all. The site asks that anyone who wishes to do so submit pictures for inclusion in the rotation

Over time the family granted the D.A.V. the right to oversee and continue the growth process. They raised a couple of million dollars and built a visitor center. In time, the center was ceded to the New Mexico State Government, under Gov. Bill Richardson, who have committed to its funding and care.

A story is told that on one particular morning, when staff arrived, they found a handwritten note stuck in the door. It said, "Why were you closed when I needed to be here?" Since that morning the doors to the chapel have never been locked again.

When the site was turned over to the state the family required only three things; that the chapel doors never be locked, that no one ever be charged a fee to visit, and that if the state should decide to no longer be involved that the site be returned to the family.

There are several other points of interest on the site in addition to the visitor's center; a welcome home banner, a statue of a soldier and a Walk of Honor bearing engraved bricks. Because this is considered a national Monument to all, the names of the 400 New Mexican's who made the final sacrifice are not listed, but many are included on the Walk of Honor. The bricks that comprise the Walk are dedicated by family or friends and are placed on the ever expanding path periodically. In addition, Dr. and Mrs Westphall are now interred in a small fenced grave yard adjacent to the Chapel.

This is a most peaceful and beautiful place that looks out over the valley created by surrounding mountains and a ski resort which, to me, emphasizes the tragedy of the Westphalls and thousands of other families.