[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 10946] [From the U.S. 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. ____________________