Willie Lambert is a Route 66 expert and author of “The Route 66 Unpolished Guide.”KOAT explored a hidden roadside memorial near Apache Canyon that honors war veterans.”I don’t know too many places in the country where we can pull off at 70-85 miles an hour with no entrance or exit ramp,” Lambert said.The memorial was created by Al Sanchez, who Lambert said he met by accident while cleaning the area.”Al Sanchez wanted to build a roadside memorial to all war veterans. He had to obtain permission from former Gov. Bill Richardson to establish the memorial,” Lambert said. Lambert has been documenting the site for nearly two decades, witnessing its deterioration over time.”I brought a lot of people here and say, ‘Oh my God, how do we protect this?'” Lambert said.The memorial includes a small structure with artwork depicting the Battle of Glorieta Pass during the Civil War, often referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West.””I guess he was walking with us, bike or wherever, and Al let him spend the summer here, and this is what that boy did to say thank you to Al,” Lambert said. The site also marks the convergence of historical trails, including the Santa Fe Trail and Route 66. Lambert emphasized the importance of preserving the site, saying, “If you take this out and you put this in a museum, then me and you stand here, you and me can’t appreciate what we found, but if we leave it here long enough, it’s a limited edition.”Al Sanchez encouraged visitors to explore and share his passion for the memorial.Lambert said, “Al encouraged people to come here and enjoy and share his passion.”The land is now owned by the American Battlefield Trust. To book a tour, head over to this website.
Willie Lambert is a Route 66 expert and author of “The Route 66 Unpolished Guide.”
KOAT explored a hidden roadside memorial near Apache Canyon that honors war veterans.
“I don’t know too many places in the country where we can pull off at 70-85 miles an hour with no entrance or exit ramp,” Lambert said.
The memorial was created by Al Sanchez, who Lambert said he met by accident while cleaning the area.
“Al Sanchez wanted to build a roadside memorial to all war veterans. He had to obtain permission from former Gov. Bill Richardson to establish the memorial,” Lambert said.
Lambert has been documenting the site for nearly two decades, witnessing its deterioration over time.
“I brought a lot of people here and say, ‘Oh my God, how do we protect this?'” Lambert said.
The memorial includes a small structure with artwork depicting the Battle of Glorieta Pass during the Civil War, often referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West.”
“I guess he was walking with us, bike or wherever, and Al let him spend the summer here, and this is what that boy did to say thank you to Al,” Lambert said.
The site also marks the convergence of historical trails, including the Santa Fe Trail and Route 66.
Lambert emphasized the importance of preserving the site, saying, “If you take this out and you put this in a museum, then me and you stand here, you and me can’t appreciate what we found, but if we leave it here long enough, it’s a limited edition.”
Al Sanchez encouraged visitors to explore and share his passion for the memorial.
Lambert said, “Al encouraged people to come here and enjoy and share his passion.”
The land is now owned by the American Battlefield Trust.
To book a tour, head over to this website.
