GRANTS, N.M. - The memorial was initiated by a Vietnam veteran to honor fallen comrades and educate the community about veterans' contributions. It serves as a reminder for future generations about the importance of remembering those who served. Vietnam veteran Harry Garcia and his wife Marie have spent the last 20 years creating a memorial park to honor veterans, especially those from the Vietnam War. The park features military equipment donated by the National Guard and local businesses. The memorial was built and provided by Harry and his wife, not the city of Grants, no taxpayer money was used on this project, commemorating their 20 years of work on the project. It includes military equipment loaned out by the National Guard with help from General Nava and General Aguilar and work on the property by other local businesses.
Garcia shares his personal connection to the memorial, particularly in memory of his friend Pat Salazar, who died shortly after they met in Vietnam. This drives his desire to honor all veterans.
The project received significant support from local businesses and the National Guard. Local businesses such as North 80 Construction and C & E Concrete contributed significantly to the project, providing labor and materials at no cost. The military equipment is on loan and permanently displayed, emphasizing community ownership rather than municipal control.
While the individual expresses a desire to acquire more military equipment for the memorial, he acknowledges the challenges and limitations involved in doing so, too many cement pads to hold the equipment is not doable.
There are plans to include information about the memorial through QR codes to educate visitors about veterans' contributions, emphasizing the importance of remembrance for future generations.