One of the stronger ideas was to use the Vietnam War Memorial as inspiration.
Memorial
Click image to enlarge
Inscribed on the walls with the Optima typeface are the names of servicemen who were either confirmed to be KIA (Killed in Action) or remained classified as MIA (Missing in Action)...They are listed in chronological order, starting at the apex on panel 1E in 1959...Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Veterans_Memorial#Structure
I can draw from the structural aspects and information representation of this memorial. After all, I am being asked to represent data, in the form of archived material, and show it in innovative way. Ironically, this does remind me of my initial idea.