New Mexico Veterans' Memorial Garden: A Photo Essay

Visiting a place to honor and reflect. Photo by Jim Schnur.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, a visit to the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial offers a great opportunity to honor those who have served our country throughout its history. Located on twenty-five acres in southeastern Albuquerque, this park sits near the intersection of Louisiana Boulevard SE and Gibson Boulevard.

A portion of the park touches the northern boundary of Kirtland Air Force Base. Originally designated as Albuquerque Army Air Base in 1941, this miltary facility was renamed during World War II in honor of Colonel Roy C. Kirtland, one of the first aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The base shares runways with nearby Albuquerque International Sunport.

Entering the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial in southeast Albuquerque. Photo by Jim Schnur.

The memorial and its well-tended gardens offer a spot of tranquility in the city's International District. This area of the city is a location where generations of refugees have resettled since America's departure from Vietnam a half-century ago. Newcomers from Southeast Asia, Central America, Africa, and other locations have called this area "home" after arriving in the United States.

Despite having a wonderful variety of international stores and cultural institutions, the area known as the International District for the past fifteen years has also suffered due to economic decline, drug abuse, and homelessness. This unfortunate situation is not due to the refugees whose families continue live in the area and make meaningful contributions to our state.

Known locally as the "War Zone," this part of the city received that rough name not because of its adjacency to the military base, but as the result of challenges that persist. The memorial is a positive and important anchor in the community.

The garden offers locations to relax and reconnect with nature. Photo by Jim Schnur.

Operated in partnership with a group of loyal and proud volunteers, the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial Garden also has a visitor center, museum, research library, and outdoor amphitheater. The park has no admission charge.

A map of the garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.

Memorials honor those who have served in different wars. Photo by Jim Schnur

The Korean War memorial as it appeared in late February 2024. Photo by Jim Schnur.

The memorial for New Mexicans who served in Vietnam. Photo by Jim Schnur.

Some of the New Mexicans who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War. Photo by Jim Schnur.

Entering the Peace Rose Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.

The perimeter of the Peace Rose Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.

A glance toward the amphitheater from the garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.

Timelines and exhibits appear throughout the garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.

The World War II Memorial Rose, a Hybrid Tea rose first introduced in 2000. Photo by Jim Schnur.

The Veterans' Honor Rose, another Hybrid Tea rose introduced in 2000. Photo by Jim Schnur.

This monument honors the service of female veterans. Photo by Jim Schnur.

A closeup of the Women in the Military Tribute. Photo by Jim Schnur.

There are many places to assemble and reflect. Photo by Jim Schnur.

View of the Sandia Mountains to the northeast, in late February 2024. Photo by Jim Schnur.

A similar view of the Sandia Mountains in late April 2024. Photo by Jim Schnur. 

The Fallen Friend memorial (on the left), near the amphitheater. Photo by Jim Schnur.

Approaching "The Word from Home" section of the memorial. Photo by Jim Schnur. 

Alongside a waterfall sculpture, "The Word from Home" captures memories of those who served during the Vietnam War. Photo by Jim Schnur. 

Closeup of "The Word from Home" area of the memorial. Photo by Jim Schnur.

Looking at benches in "The Homecoming" area. Photo by Jim Schnur.

A picnic and gathering area. Photo by Jim Schnur.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey to a great location in the Albuquerque area. For those who live in the greater Tampa Bay area along Florida's west coast, another place to visit on Memorial Day is War Veterans' Memorial Park at Bay Pines.