In early September, we were fortunate to be able to spend a lovely week in the Enchanted Circle area of northern New Mexico, and one of the most memorable sights we saw during that week sits atop a hill near the small community of Angel Fire. In fact, we could see it off in the distance from the RV park where we stayed during the week. When I researched sites to visit in this area ahead of time, this one stood out as a “must-see” spot, so we planned our visit for Wednesday.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park at Angel Fire is actually the very first memorial to honor Vietnam Veterans and was also the inspiration for the large memorial that now resides in Washington D.C. Over time, people have placed red bricks here to honor family members and other loved ones that served, and they border the sidewalks throughout the memorial.
I have always had a personal connection to this war because my brother served in it for two consecutive years. My brother was fourteen years older than me, and I was a young child while he served. I remember writing letters to him regularly, and we also put together a box of goodies for him every other week and sent it by mail. In later years, he often shared how much he looked forward to receiving those care packages, too. I lost my dear brother back in 2007 to diabetes and congestive heart failure, but this visit brought back so many memories of him and this time period in history.
Many specific memories of my brother’s service came flooding back to mind as I toured this beautiful memorial. It’s amazing how things like this can go dormant in our minds until something prods them back to the forefront so vividly. As I looked at the various exhibits in the small museum, the memories continued to return, especially seeing those red, white and blue air mail envelopes that we always used to mail our letters to my brother.
The story of how this memorial came to be is so special and so touching, and I encourage anyone to read more about it on the memorial’s website. I won’t take the time to try to share it here, but it is well worth the time to read about it. You can also make a contribution to help support the memorial, if you would like to do so.
The weather was overcast on the day of our visit, and while the conditions kept me from capturing better quality photos, it provided the perfect setting to match my rather somber mood while I toured the facility. Before we finished our tour, I also made the decision to order a brick to honor my brother and have it placed there in his honor and memory. I look forward to returning to the memorial again someday to see his name and service honored along with so many other veterans.
I’ll just let my photos share the rest of the story about this touching place, and I’ve opted to share quite a number of them today because this placed touched me so much.
I would highly encourage anyone visiting this area to visit this beautiful memorial for an hour or two or even longer if you want to explore the museum in more detail. I’m so glad we took the time to visit this special, yet somber, place. It is free to visit. Donations are accepted from those that would like to make a contribution to help with upkeep of the memorial.
Looks like a lovely memorial. Al served in Vietnam and rarely has interest in visiting memorials as it’s too emotional for him… not the fondest of memories for him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a very sobering place, and the weather matched my mood that day. My brother always wanted to go see the memorial in DC, but his health would never permit it, unfortunately. I was all set to pay our way and accompany him on the trip, but it never happened. He also had so many bad memories, but he still wanted to go because I think it might have helped give him some closure? I think that is why he wanted to go. I will always be sad for all those that had to deal with this horrible war and its aftermath in their lives, including your hubby. They all paid a huge sacrifice that deserves to never be forgotten. The story of the man that built it in honor of his son and his company that was killed is very touching. 😉
LikeLike
We visited there a few years ago, and I also thought it was extremely moving and touching. It was beautiful. My brother (who is five years older than me), served in the Vietnam War, also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you were able to visit this special place and thank your brother for his service from me! 😉
LikeLike
Thanks for the photos, but more importantly, thanks for the memories of your brother. Those are the real memorial. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Peter, and I would have to agree from my perspective. I miss him so much, and I’m looking forward to seeing his brick there someday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely memorial to those often forgotten heroes who served in Vietnam. They didn’t get nearly enough honor for their sacrifices.
LikeLike