[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. VICTOR WESTPHALL 
   AND MRS. JEANNE WESTPHALL AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATION'S 
                                VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I rise today to proudly 
introduce legislation in tribute to Dr. Victor Westphall and Mrs. 
Jeanne Westphall, who dedicated their lives to honoring the courage and 
sacrifice of their fallen son, LT Victor David Westphall III, USMC, and 
all Vietnam veterans.
  Following the tragic deaths of their son and 15 of his fellow 
Marines, on May 22, 1968, in Vietnam--40 years ago today--Dr. and Mrs. 
Westphall led the Nation in memorializing all Vietnam veterans by 
building an enduring symbol of the tragedy of war. In late summer of 
1968, the Westphalls began construction of the Vietnam Veteran's Peace 
and Brotherhood Chapel in Angel Fire, New Mexico, in honor of their son 
and his fallen comrades. The chapel was completed in 1971 and dedicated 
on May 22nd that same year--37 years ago today--which was the third 
anniversary of David's heroic death. Ultimately, it was the Westphall's 
hope that the memorial would serve as a source of inspiration for all 
in pursuit of a peaceful world.
  At a time of political unrest in a deeply divided Nation, 
constructing the memorial was not a popular idea, but Dr. and Mrs. 
Westphall persevered. Their strength and courage triumphed in the face 
of financial difficulties by being the first to commemorate those who 
had suffered, and those who had died in the war. Needless to say, the 
chapel's message has since become widespread and its message has been 
followed by many. The chapel is a place of peace and tranquility and 
has become a spiritual haven for reflection. Its doors have never been 
locked, and for many it represents serenity, nobility, and comfort for 
all.
  The memorial is recognized as a monument of national significance and 
embodies the harmony and solace of Angel Fire's landscape and New 
Mexico's citizenry. The substantial financial and emotional 
contributions made by Dr. and Mrs. Westphall represent their efforts to 
honor all veterans and to properly memorialize the sacrifices made 
during the Vietnam war. In 2005, the David Westphall Veterans 
Foundation donated the memorial to the State of New Mexico and it is 
now officially the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park--the only State 
park in the United States dedicated solely as a Vietnam veterans 
memorial. New Mexico State Parks plans to maintain and improve the 
Memorial and stay true to its purpose as a place of healing and 
education.
  The memorial plays a large role in helping to heal the wounds of the 
Vietnam war. It helps bring us together not only to remember what 
occurred and what was lost, but also to ensure that we do not forget. 
In keeping with the traditions of all that Dr. Victor Westphall, Mrs. 
Jeanne Westphall, their son, and their family stood for, please join me 
in proudly recognizing them with this legislation.

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