173d Memorial Design Concept

The Key design concepts of the Memorial include attributes to:

• Engage the human spirit
• Prompt reflection
• Convey the Brigades's history
• Honor the fallen who served with the Brigade
• Establish hallowed and dedicated ground on US soil
• Display the symbols of the Brigade
• Include space for the legacy of the active Brigade

The physical design criteria for the memorial were established to ensure:

• Accessibility to public, including meeting ADA requirements
• Construction with resilient materials
• Design for ease of maintainability
• Location on a safe and secure site
• Availability of such amenities as parking, restrooms, and water fountain(s)
• Ability to build in phases (as a contingency)

The Memorial was intentionally designed in a circular form to represent continuing and eternal presence. The central memorial arrangement is approximately 70 feet in diameter including the perimeter pathway. The Memorial will sit approximately 18 to 24 inches above the natural ground to give it a distinct prominence. The main platform will be made of textured and colored concrete. It will be scored radially from the center to represent the panels of a parachute. The hand railing around the edge will be curved to represent the edges of parachute panels. The Memorial platform will include five vertical double sided display panels. These panels will contain the names of all those Sky Soldiers, past and present, whose lives were taken while serving with the Brigade. The panels will also display the Brigades history and distinguished service. It will also pay tribute to those military units that were attached to the Brigade during its service.

Throughout the design process it became apparent that the memorial needed to include a centerpiece to establish its prominence. After much debate and compromise the 173d’s wing and sword centerpiece was chosen. It is worthy to note, that the wing and sword centerpiece was chosen because it elegantly but emphatically tells visitors, even from a far distance, that this is 173d Airborne Brigade territory. The wing itself will be approximately six feet in height and will be crafted from stainless steel. It will rest atop a 24 inch diameter globe of the earth representing the Brigade’s readiness to meet challenges throughout the world. The entire wing, sword and globe will be set upon an eight to ten foot tall cylindrical column, reminding viewers that this Brigade rises above others.

The five entrances to the main memorial will provide pathways into a grassy, landscaped area that contains benches offering opportunities for repose and reflection to Sky Soldiers and all others who visit this striking structure. Alcoves may be added later to provide additional places for reflection and Brigade history.

The 173d Memorial, to be located at the National Infantry Museum’s Heritage Park campus near Fort Benning, will unquestionably be among the most striking and prominent.