Category: History and current events

Memorial Day at Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May in the U.S., honors those who died serving in the armed forces. In 2014, we visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico, to participate in a remembrance service and view an engraved brick .

updated May 25, 2025

The United States celebrates Memorial Day on the last Monday of  May, a day set aside to remember people who died while serving in the armed forces, although many families use it to remember other deceased loved ones also.  

Memorial Day 2014 was special and unique for my husband and me.

We had planned a trip to New Mexico, not realizing we would be there on Memorial Day. I was attending a medical conference. We wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire.

Since my husband is a Vietnam Veteran, I had ordered a brick engraved with his name to be laid on the walkway there. We wanted to see it, and decided to go on Memorial Day, to join the special remembrance service they have on that day.

It was a chilly overcast day, not what we expected for late May. Fittingly, the rain held off until the ceremony ended, then it poured down. I took all of the photos in this post.

on the memorial grounds, the chapel in the background
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond's brick
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond’s brick
Inside the chapel, which is never locked; it is open for anyone to enter at any time
presenting a flag and plaque to the family of a fallen soldier
A flag and plaque were presented to the family of a fallen soldier
music by a local military reserve unit
A local military reserve unit provided music.
Raymond with the late Dr. Westphal, who founded the memorial in honor of his son who died in Vietnam (an old photo)

On an earlier trip Raymond met with the late Dr. Westphall, who founded the memorial in honor of his son David, who died in Vietnam.

 David Westphal Veterans Foundation

“The purpose of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation is to honor America’s veterans and members of its military forces by memorializing the sacrifices they have made and by recognizing the sense of duty and the courage they have displayed as they answered their country’s call to arms.”

Sharing the HEART of remembrance

Thanks for sharing the Angel Fire Memorial with us. If you are ever in northeast New Mexico, don’t miss visiting the memorial, museum, and veterans cemetery which has been added since our last visit. You can also visit nearby Taos and the Taos Pueblo.

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Dr Aletha 

A true-life Vietnam Veteran served as the inspiration for this novel about a lost veteran who found his way home. I reviewed it in this post.

REVENANTS-The Odyssey Home: a book review

Most people know and understand what war does to countries- changing boundaries, toppling governments, destroying infrastructure, wasting the land, bankrupting economies. Revanants speaks to the human cost for communities, families, and individuals-driving families apart, killing dreams, interrupting plans, wounding bodies and emotions, and destroying hope. On a global scale, war may be justified but in…

Keep reading

Why I Remember the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995

On April 19, 1995, a devastating bombing occurred at the Federal building in Oklahoma City, claiming 168 lives. This tragedy united the community as many selflessly assisted in rescue efforts. A memorial and museum now honor the victims, serving as a poignant reminder of that day’s impact, especially on the 30th anniversary.

updated April 18, 2025

On April 19, 1995 I was seeing patients in my family practice office in Tulsa Oklahoma when my medical assistant told me a bomb had exploded in Oklahoma City, 90 miles away.

We didn’t have computers or cell phones so I turned on a radio. The words I heard shocked and saddened me.

It was true. A massive bomb had exploded at the Federal building in downtown Oklahoma City, something I thought only happened overseas.

Who would bomb a building in Oklahoma?

at the entrance to the memorial museum, artwork done by local schoolchildren is displayed on a brick wall

That day in Oklahoma City showed some of the best in our state and our country as people, some with no training, risked their lives to help rescue people who were injured and trapped inside.

Firefighters and police came from all over the United States to help. People donated food and first aid supplies. I was proud to be an Oklahoman then and now, and still grieve for the loss we sustained that day.

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

Today a beautiful memorial and museum stands at the site of the rubble where 168 people died-employees, visitors, children. When you visit Oklahoma, don’t miss seeing this moving tribute to their memory. You will never feel the same.

window at the Oklahoma City bombing museum
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
gold memorial chairs by reflecting pool
At the reflecting pool stand 168 gold chairs, honoring the dead

Cover Image

I took the cover image of the Survivor Tree.

“Before the bombing, the tree was important because it provided the only shade in the downtown parking lot. People would arrive early to work just to be able to park under the shade of the tree’s branches.

On April 19, 1995, the tree was almost chopped down to recover pieces of evidence that hung from its branches after a 4,000 pound bomb that killed 168 and injured hundreds exploded just yards away.”

Continue reading the tree’s history at this link.

In this post, I wrote more about the event.

Remembering the Oklahoma City Bombing, April 19, 1995

That day in Oklahoma City showed the best in our state and our country as people, some with no training, risked their lives to help rescue people who were injured and trapped inside. Firefighters and police came from all over the United States to help. People donated food and first aid supplies.

Keep reading

Sharing the HEART of health

Thank you for remembering the Oklahoma City bombing with me on the 30th anniversary. I took the photos in this post during one of my visits to the site.

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha