City of Santa Fe announces Santa Fe National Cemetery will not be site for Soldiers’ Monument

The City of Santa Fe has been informed by the National Cemetery Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that the Santa Fe National Cemetery will not accept the Soldiers' Monument for relocation to the cemetery.

In 2024, the City's Governing Body directed the prior City Manager to investigate the feasibility of relocating the Soldiers' Monument to the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Early in 2026 Interim City Manager Brian Moya did send a formal request to the Department of Veterans Affairs to inquire if the NCA would accept the monument. The National Cemetery Administration's decision now removes that option from further consideration.

Mayor Michael Garcia said the federal decision gives the City a clearer path forward to determining what comes next for the monument.

"I appreciate the National Cemetery Administration providing clarity on this option. We can now move this conversation forward thoughtfully and responsibly," Mayor Michael Garcia said. "I am grateful that the remnants of the monument are available for the public to see and learn from. I intend to bring a proposal to the Governing Body in the next few months so we can determine a path forward that respects our history, recognizes the complexity of this monument and serves the people of Santa Fe."

The remnants of the Soldiers' Monument obelisk are currently on public display at the New Mexico History Museum in downtown Santa Fe. The display was made possible through an agreement with the State of New Mexico authorized by the Governing Body earlier this year and provides the public an opportunity to view the remnants while the City considers their long-term disposition.

The City can now focus work on finding a recommendation that will meet the State Historic Preservation Office guidelines. This recommendation will be brought to the Governing Body for final approval.

Peter Olson

City of Santa Fe

Communications Director

(505) 819-1062