A newly launched website honoring Houston and Katy-area service members who died in the Vietnam War might be described as looking for a few good stories.

The website, vietnamfallenwarriorsmonument.com, enables visitors to share their stories of family members and friends who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War, which was from 1955-75. Over 58,000 Americans lost their lives in that conflict, including 538 from the Houston and Katy area.

Melissa Woodward, who owns a local marketing agency, learned of the Vietnam Combat Veterans Association and their effort to create the website and a monument. The purpose of the website and monument are to honor the local fallen in Vietnam. The monument is set to open in November at the Houston National Cemetery.

“I decided it was a worthwhile cause,” Woodward said. “I wanted to stand behind it and donate my services.”

With the war having ended 47 years ago, Woodward knew she had some homework to do. She looked at original photographs and read about the war. She said it took her about 30 days to build the website.

“Whether they served in Vietnam, or know someone who did, we’d like to have stories and original photos of that era, and connect with those 538,” Woodward said. “We’d like to share what we’re trying to create and honor those servicemen and women.”

As history passes, so do the people who were part of that history, Woodward said.

“People from that era, as these servicemen pass away, there’s nobody left to share their stories,” Woodward said. “There’s a price these men paid for our freedom. I think sharing those stories is a way to preserve a piece of that history. That’s the website’s main purpose.”

Woodward said the biggest thing her group wants veterans and their families to know is that their sacrifice is remembered, their service is appreciated, and they are welcomed home.

“We’re sorry they didn’t get the warm welcome they deserved all those year ago,” Woodward said.” The website and monument are ways to let them know we remember.”

For more information, visit the website vietnamfallenwarriorsmonument.com.