Vietnam Veterans Memorial

(Agua Fría NM)
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial began as the Peace and Brotherhood Chapel built to honor a son killed while serving in Vietnam. Over the years, the park was enlarged with other features added. It eventually was acquired by the Disabled American Veterans, and then transferred to the state of New Mexico.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Huey ‘Viking Surprise’

It now includes the chapel, an amphitheater, a peaceful Blue Star Garden with Tranquility Fountain, bricks for Medal of Honor recipients and others that served, a sculpture of a soldier, a monument to the son, flags of all military branches, a flag retirement oven, the graves of the benefactors, a Visitor Center and Museum with Gift Shop, and a restored ‘Huey’ chopper.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Peace & Brotherhood Chapel

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Some Flags on the Grounds

The Huey named ‘Viking Surprise’ was primarily used for creating smokescreens to mask troops being dropped at a landing zone; but also provided cover fire, and recovered soldiers being pulled out. It served two tours in Vietnam getting shot up pretty badly, and has been restored to its original condition.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Blue Star Garden with Soldier Sculptue

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Tranquility Fountain

The museum had good displays about the conflict, the history, and stories of those that sacrificed so much. Photos, videos, artifacts, and war gear provided an overview. Plans call for an adjacent State Veterans Cemetery to be opened soon. The memorial is very well done.

Camp: Eagle Nest Lake SP drycamp
Scene: Military, museum, history

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6 Responses to Vietnam Veterans Memorial

  1. Barney Ward August 31, 2018 at 1:33 pm #

    Thank you for the report on this Memorial. I had well over 200 flights in those choppers.

    • Pleinguy August 31, 2018 at 3:34 pm #

      I didn’t know that about you Barney. It’s good to see that the warriors are remembered.

  2. Martha August 31, 2018 at 1:49 pm #

    What a beautiful Memorial. I would definitely like to see it some day.

    • Pleinguy August 31, 2018 at 3:35 pm #

      It would be worth your time if you are in the area.

  3. Gumo August 31, 2018 at 3:59 pm #

    Wow! I never knew about that memorial. Thanks for this post. Beautiful and inspiring!

    • Pleinguy September 1, 2018 at 1:00 pm #

      You should check it out the next time you’re in New Mexico.

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