Veterans Day is a time to reflect, remember and honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Albuquerque and New Mexico have decades of layers-deep military history and presence, ranging from Kirtland Air Force Base to the White Sands Missile Range. To celebrate and honor Veterans Day, we’ve outlined ways to engage with New Mexico’s military history this month, or any time of year.
In and Near Albuquerque
New Mexico Veterans Memorial
The New Mexico Veterans Memorial pays tribute to veterans from the past, honoring those who currently serve our country, and inspiring future service men and women. Built by the City of Albuquerque, the memorial includes open space, landscapes, sculptures, a museum and meeting space to celebrate and remember loved ones who have served.
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Bataan Memorial Park
Located on the northwest corner of Lomas Blvd. NE and Amherst Dr. NE, Bataan Memorial Park was dedicated in 1943 by Clyde Tingley, Chairman of the Albuquerque City Commission, as a Living Monument to the men who served in the defense of the Bataan Peninsula. In 1960 the Bataan Club erected the original stone memorial in recognition of the service of the Veterans of the U.S. Army, 200th and 515th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiments. Click here for a complete list of veterans monuments and memorials in Albuquerque.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a great place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early development and the Cold War to today's peaceful uses. The permanent displays and changing special exhibits present history, science applications and future developments of nuclear energy. The museum is also a Smithsonian Affiliate and the only congressionally chartered museum in the nuclear field. On Veterans Day, veterans get free admission.
New Mexico Holocaust Museum & Gilbert Center for Education
Located in downtown Albuquerque, the New Mexico Holocaust Museum is dedicated to eliminating hate and intolerance through education. Exhibits illustrate–through artifacts, memorabilia, pictures, documents, videos and books–historical conflicts caused by local, national and global prejudice, culminating in the most unspeakable of all horrors, the Holocaust. Exhibits also illustrate other historical conflicts caused by prejudice such as the Armenian and Greek genocides, the inhumane treatment of Native Americans and slavery in the United States.
Museum of the American Military Family & Learning Center
Located just outside Albuquerque in Tijeras, the Museum of the American Military Family & Learning Center is the only museum dedicated to celebrating the contributions of America’s military families, celebrating almost 400 years of American military family history. The museum and learning center is where people with shared and converging paths can come together as a community, inspiring a sense of place and history. The museum is currently closed as it searches for a new location, but there are pop-up events throughout the year.
Image Source: Museum of the American Military Family & Learning Center
Outside of Albuquerque
New Mexico Military Museum
The New Mexico Military Museum, located just an hour north of Albuquerque in Santa Fe, seeks to strengthen public understanding of how conflicts have shaped the state of New Mexico as well as the national experience, by documenting, preserving and exhibiting the stories of war through a variety of collections. The museum's exhibits aim to create a dialogue with the community about how wartime efforts have shaped the state of New Mexico and the world.
White Sands Missile Range Museum
The White Sands Missile Range Museum, located just outside of White Sands National Park, was established in 1994 to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts and other materials relating to the history of the White Sands Missile Range and the Tularosa Basin. Over time, the museum has expanded its mission, scope of exhibition and supporting functions to include the history of the surrounding lands’ native peoples and cultures, its local plant and animal species and natural geology and landscapes.
Events
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) will pay tribute to those who served our country on Nov. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the IPCC courtyard. Veterans will also get free admission Nov. 9 and 10. Learn more here.
Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
A Veterans Day Parade will take place Nov. 11 beginning at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at USS Bullhead Memorial Park and end at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, where a Veterans Day Ceremony will take place starting at 10:30 a.m. Learn more here.
