Las Cruces Veterans Memorial Park

[1] In honor and memorial of the men and women who fought and served in the United States armed forces and in particular, those who served from Las Cruces area, the Veterans Memorial Park exhibits monuments to honor their sacrifices made over the course of history.

For thousands of years there has been architecture built in honor of remembrance, from the time of the pharaohs in Egypt to modern day.

Structures can be created to symbolize or remember events, ideas or individuals that have passed on that have had a significant contribution in our world or in our own lives.

The Bataan Death March memorial, crafted by sculptor Kelley S. Hestir,[6] features three large, bronze statues of American and Filipino soldiers supporting each other as they walk the six day march of over eighty miles to a Japanese prison camp in World War II.

The memorial was dedicated on April 13, 2002, sixty years after the lethal march that took the lives of an estimated five to ten thousand people.

These are the names of veterans that entered into military service from the county of Doña Ana in New Mexico.

The large size of garrison flags first came into fruition during the War of 1812 when the people of Baltimore were expecting an attack from the British.

Surrounding the gazebo are also picnic benches and tables with roofing to accommodate various activities and events for visitors.

[15] The Korean War Memorial is a gray, square stone that has the outline of the country of Korea that includes a line showing where the 38th parallel is located.

[18] The emblem is surrounded by some of the titles Marines have earned over the years including slang, such as “The Few The Proud, “Gung-ho,” and “Leather Neck” to name a few.

To the left and right of these images are placards that describe the advancements and roles of the different branches of military in this time period.

The intent of this monument was to show the significant contributions that women have made throughout American military history.

[23] Las Cruces is proud to be the home of thousands of men and women that have served our country through military service.

Veterans Corner is the section of the city’s website where people can go to find information and resources.