Recently, by overwhelming vote Congress created--the newly formed "Veterans History Project." It's purpose is to preserve the accounts of men and women involved in all wars of the United States.

Unfortunately, many of the men who served their country with the 173d Airborne Brigade in Vietnam never made it home and can not personally tell their stories. However, we at 173d.com believe their stories are as important, perhaps even more so, than the stories the Veterans History Project is currently collecting from living veterans. It is for this reason the management of 173d.com has dedicated this site to accomplishing something truly unique, something that has not been attempted before. The 173d.com site is providing a forum where the KIA's from the 173d can tell their stories, not in person, but through friends and families who knew them best. This will aid educators, historians, and anyone interested, but most notably future generations, in getting to know who these men were, and, among other reasons, heighten regard for their traits that are so necessary during difficult times.

Principles on which the 173d.com Multi-media Memorial are founded:

We Honor God through service to our fellow mankind.

We respect and honor the family and especially the families who suffered such great losses in Vietnam.

We believe in the dignity and importance of each and every individual, living or deceased.

We believe that honor, integrity, and principles (on and off the battlefield) are the foundation for any memorial that seeks to honor its deceased.

We commit to mutual trust and loyalty between ourselves and our visitors.

We have established and will continually improve and update this site.

We are committed to the ongoing personal growth and healing of all who offer stories, photographs, and/or information about someone who is listed on this memorial.

We are committed to building the recognition the 173d Airborne Brigade paratrooper, both living and deceased, by making public their sacrifices for God, country, and family.