L to R: State Parks Director Christy Tafoya; Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Secretary Ken McQueen (State Parks is a Division of the EMNRD); Governor Martinez;
DVS Secretary Jack Fox
Gov. Martinez presents key to DVS Secretary Jack FoxAngel Fire, NM GÇö Today, Governor Susana Martinez joined state and local leaders to kick off the Fourth of July holiday with veterans in Angel Fire. The governor took part in a ceremony transferring Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire to the Department of Veterans Services, an action requested by the state's veteran community.
"We are incredibly proud of the countless New Mexicans who have answered our nation's call to defend our freedoms GÇô and we will never forget the sacrifices they made for us," said Governor Susana Martinez. "It's an incredible honor to fulfill this request from our state's veteran community by putting this memorial under the specialized care of our veterans department."
While the New Mexico State Parks Division has done a great job managing the memorial, the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services has the necessary expertise to manage and safeguard the memorial. Both agencies worked together through the transfer process. Earlier this year, the Governor signed the bill which authorized the transition.
The Memorial was built in honor of Marine First Lieutenant David Westphall by his parents after he was killed in Vietnam. It was subsequently donated to the state of New Mexico.
Gov. Martinez addresses the gathering
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park