Architecture As Art: The Angel Fire Veterans Memorial
Beyond the MetroABQ: Angel Fire's Architectural Art Memorial
Photos by Rob Thalmann.
Living in this state, we are always ready to discover something amazing; an out-of-the way New Mexico place that sticks with you long after you leave it. Meeting clients in Angel Fire to preview some nice homes, I noticed a large, shapely white pyramid sitting on a hill, overlooking the small town. After the showings I had to stop by.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire is one of the first memorials dedicated to Vietnam Veterans. The Peace & Brotherhood Chapel, seen above, was built in the early 1970's & commands a significant presence from the hilltop. A small glimpse of some of the Angel Fire Resort neighborhoods can be seen in the background; the ski resort is off to the right.
The organic, undulating style of the monument is what draws the eye from miles away. It started out as a memorial for a soldier who died in combat during the war, but has evolved to much more. To minimize the impact on the surrounding landscape & Chapel, a mostly underground visitor's center & museum was carved into the hill, & in 2007 an amphitheater was added, discreet from the valley view. And recently a State Veterans Cemetery was added next to the site, allowing for rural veterans to be honored closer to home.
More about Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Below are a few images of the Peace & Brotherhood Chapel.
