Dispatches from the Veterans History Project

Post a Story. Make Memorial Day Meaningful—Dispatch May 25, 2012

On Memorial Day we remember the men and women who paid the ultimate price while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

How will you make it meaningful?

The Veterans History Project encourages all Americans to remember a veteran’s story this Monday. Interview a veteran. Recall a veteran in your family or community. Post a blog, Facebook update, or Tweet about a veteran—living or deceased. Bring the day to life through the powerful words of those who served.

Find examples of poignant and inspiring stories at www.loc.gov/vets. Pick from the more than 11,000 veterans collections digitally available on the VHP website. Post a link on your social networks. Share in the day with family and friends.

Make it meaningful. Pass it on.

Here are some you might not have seen before:
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.56930/audio?ID=d13481e96

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.20970/enlarge?ID=pm0038001&page=1

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.49345/video?ID=mv0001001

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.71911/video?ID=mv0001001

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Associated Press Spotlights the Telling Project—Dispatch May 17, 2012

The Telling Project is among the unique series of workshops and events uniting around veterans’ stories in Washington this week. At the “In the Telling” workshops, hosted at the Library of Congress, veterans are interviewed about their experiences. Those experiences are then shaped into a scripted performance featuring veterans and actors. The script will be publicly performed at the Library of Congress Friday evening. The interviews will be donated to the Veterans History Project collection.

The Telling Project is a poignant example of how the Veterans History Project can be integrated into activities that enable veterans to share their stories. Creative and therapeutic projects nationwide encourage veterans to share their stories; the Veterans History Project offers easy-to-follow guidelines to aid in that process, and offers a permanent home in the Library of Congress collection for the veteran and his or her family.

See the Associated Press feature on the Telling Project at:
http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/veterans-act-their-stories-on-stage-29327490.html

Learn more about the free public performance and donation event at: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-099.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans History Project Hosts Arts, Military + Healing Closing Event—Dispatch May 14, 2012

VHP hosts the special conclusion to a unique week-long series of workshops and events uniting veteran and civilian artists, arts organizations and schools, national cultural institutions, philanthropic foundations, and military hospitals.

The evening performance will feature excerpted staged readings of both Kate Wenner's play “Make Sure it's Me,” written from interviews with veterans from the Iraq War, and the Telling Project’s “In the Telling,” scripted with and performed by veterans interviewed about their experiences including in the Vietnam war, the Gulf War, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The honorable Togo West, Jr. will offer remarks.

When: Friday, May 18th at 7 p.m.
Where: Coolidge Auditorium, Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress
Learn more: http://www.artsandmilitary.org

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

C-SPAN to Air VHP Program on Women in the Persian Gulf War—Dispatch May 10, 2012

This week, C-SPAN will air VHP’s “Women in the Persian Gulf War” panel discussion. The event, held at the Library of Congress on March 27, discussed the contribution of women to the Persian Gulf War effort, and the impact of service on their lives.

The program will air at the following times, all on American History TV / C-SPAN 3, all times Eastern:

Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, May 14 at 5:30 a.m.

The program will also be available online at: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305154-1

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans History Project and the Arts, Military + Healing Initiative—Dispatch May 7, 2012

The Veterans History Project (VHP) is taking part in a new collaboration titled “Arts, Military + Healing.” For six days, artists, veterans and cultural institutions will unite in Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of the role of the arts in the healing process for veterans and military families.

Among the week’s events is a five-day “The Telling Project” workshop, wherein the experiences of veterans and families will be used to create an original play. Excerpts of the work will be read at the closing event and veterans’ interviews collected in the workshop will be donated to the Library of Congress. VHP Director Bob Patrick will accept the stories as part of the week’s closing event.

To learn more, and view a full schedule of workshops and events visit http://www.artsandmilitary.org.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject

Kissing Sailor and Nurse of Iconic World War II Photograph Identified—Dispatch May 4, 2012

The Huffington Post reports that two authors claim they have figured out the identities of the sailor and nurse seen kissing in the iconic 1945 Life magazine photograph taken on Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) at the end of World War II. In a newly released book titled, "The Kissing Sailor," co-authors George Galdorisi and Lawrence Verria say the famous photograph’s subjects are George Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman, both now 89 years of age. The authors used forensic analysis and photographic interpretation, among other methods to prove it was Mendonsa and Friedman.

Over the years many people have come forward and felt they were the subjects of the photograph. The power of that image is that it captured a moment in time that remains a symbol of the joy an entire generation felt simultaneously. For baby boomers and those younger, it provides a glimpse into a rare collective experience of history.

The Veterans History Project’s collections include Mendonsa's and Friedman’s fascinating oral histories. Both interviews were recorded by Patricia Redmond of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

George Mendonsa: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/42868
Greta Zimmer Friedman: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/42863
Access their stories and others like theirs at www.loc.gov/vets.

Read the news coverage here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/kissing-sailor-photograph-eisenstaedt-mendonsa-friedman_n_1471058.html?ncid=webmail25

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Department of Health and Human Services Launches Nationwide VHP Campaign—Dispatch May 2, 2012

The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced a nationwide campaign to conduct, record and collect interviews with HHS employees who are military veterans for inclusion in the Veterans History Project’s collections.

HHS employees who are veterans are welcome to participate through May 2012 in one of two ways:

Submit recorded or written memoirs to the Veterans Employment Program Office (VEPM) at HHS Washington, DC Headquarters.

Schedule a 30-minute individual recording session to take place at HHS Washington, DC Headquarters.

At the close of the campaign, VEPM staff will present the HHS stories to the Library of Congress, where they will become part of the Library’s permanent collections and made individually searchable on the Veterans History Project website, www.loc.gov/vets.

For details on how to participate, contact Kelly Williams (202) 205-9315 or Sonya Keeve (202) 690-2001, both of the VEPM Office.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Former NFL Player Makes A Wish Come True With A Visit to VHP—Dispatch April 30, 2012

Former NFL football player and Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom has granted a Wish of a Lifetime for one Washington state senior by bringing her to the Library of Congress to see her VHP collection.

Elsie Kerr contributed her story to the Veterans History Project in 2010. A 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Nurse Corps, Kerr served aboard the US Army Hospital Ship Aleda E. Lutz in the European Theater during World War II. On Monday, April 30th, she will see her collection in the Library of Congress courtesy of Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime, which grants wishes to senior citizens who are unable to fulfill those experiences on their own.

Learn more about Elsie’s service in World War II at:
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.73079

Learn more about Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime at:
http://seniorwish.org/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Ben Steele, “The War,” and the Bataan Death March Commemoration—Dispatch April 27, 2012

Montana native Ben Steele worked as a ranch hand and a glazier before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in September 1940. His service took him to the South Pacific, where he endured the hardship of the Bataan Death March and spent 40 months in prison camps, on a hell ship, and working as a slave laborer in a Japanese coal mine before his liberation.

While a prisoner, Steele turned to art. He started drawing in Bilibid prison, secretly recording the world around him. Then all but two of the 72 drawings he completed from 1943 to 1945 were lost at sea. Returning home at the end of the war, Steele recreated his lost drawings between 1945 and 1947. He began a career as an artist, eventually joining the art faculty at Eastern Montana College, where he would teach for 23 years.

In 2007, Montana PBS station, VCB 183, and Montana State University united with the Veterans History Project to ensure Mr. Steele’s story would be preserved in the Library of Congress. The interview was one in a larger effort with PBS stations nationwide to preserve the stories of WWII veterans as a result of VHP’s role as the Primary Public Policy Partner of KenBurns’ film “THE WAR.” This week, Mr. Steele joined other veterans of the Bataan Death March and Corregidor in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 70th anniversary of both. The Veterans History Project was proud to be an Honorary Host Committee Member in support of the commemoration.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Cactus Shadows High School and the Veterans Heritage Project—Dispatch April 25, 2012

VHP Director Bob Patrick recently spoke at this year’s Veterans Heritage Project Reception and Book Signing in Glendale, Arizona. Produced by Cactus Shadows High School students, Volume 8 of “Since You Asked: Arizona Veterans Share Their Memories” was showcased at the event. More than 500 local veterans, students, families and state dignitaries took part.

Since 2005, students at Cactus Shadows have interviewed more than 300 veterans for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. What started as a high school club has grown to include four additional schools and, in 2010, was established as a non-profit called the Veterans Heritage Project. The 501c3 organization formed to spread this unique educational model to other schools. Learn more at http://veteransheritage.org/.

Harold Bergbower was among the veterans interviewed by Cactus Shadows High School students through the years. This week, Mr. Bergbower and six other veterans of the Bataan Death March and Corregidor were invited to Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 70th anniversary of both. The Veterans History Project is proud to be an Honorary Host Committee Member in support of the commemoration.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Bataan Death March and fall of Corregidor—Dispatch April 19, 2012

On April 24-25, seven veterans of the Bataan Death March and Corregidor will visit Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 70th anniversary of both. The anniversary of the Bataan Death March is April 9th; the surrender of Corregidor marking the fall of the Philippines occurred May 6, 1942.

Ben Steele and Harold Bergbower are two of the veterans attending next week’s commemoration. The stories of both men are preserved in the VHP collection. A veteran of the US Army Air Corps, Bergbower was a POW in the Philippines and Japan. Steele has chronicled the horrors of the Bataan Death March and Japan’s POW camps through his award-winning paintings and drawings.

The Veterans History Project is proud to serve as one of the Honorary Host Committee Members for the commemoration. The events were organized by Asia Policy Point, a Washington nonprofit focused on U.S. relations with Japan and Northeast Asia. Learn more at: http://www.facebook.com/BataanAndCorregidor

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Illinois Veterans History Project: State Government, Library, and Court Reporters Unite for Veterans—Dispatch April 11, 2012

On April 24 at the Illinois State Library (ISL), the Illinois National Court Reporters Association (ICRA) with assistance from the National Court Reporters Foundation, and the Department of Illinois Disabled American Veterans (DAV) will work together to interview 28 disabled veterans and place their stories into the Library of Congress and Illinois Digital Archives.

The Illinois Veterans History Project was launched by Secretary of State Jesse White to create a permanent record of the names and stories of Illinois war veterans and civilians who served during war. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has been a Founding Partner of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project since 2003.

The ISL aims to work with the DAV, ICRA and other organizations to encourage the development of similar programs throughout Illinois involving local libraries. The model is ideal for state and local libraries seeking to collaborate with state agencies to create their own VHP initiatives.

Learn more at: http://www.idaillinois.org/cdm/landingpage/collection/ivhp

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

DoDLive Features VHP Interview of Maj. Gen. Jeanne Holm for Women’s History Month—Dispatch April 2, 2012

DoDLive is the Department of Defense’s official blog. Last week, the blog featured the VHP interview of Maj. Gen. Jeanne Holm in two programs for Women’s History Month.

“This Week in the DoD,” a weekly audio podcast discussing top defense news, shared the VHP interview of Maj. Gen. Holm’s as part of their series on the stories of women who have made military history. Holm was the first woman to reach the rank of Major General.

Additionally, a more extensive selection of Holm’s VHP interview was featured in DoDLive’s “Profiles in Heritage.” Maj. Gen. Holm started her career in the Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps and went on to become the Air Force’s first female general, and the first female to receive a second star in the armed forces.

Hear the “This Week in the DoD” podcast at:
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2012/03/episode-129-weekly-news-roundup-for-march-30-2012/

View the “Profiles in Heritage” at:
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2012/03/profiles-in-heritage-maj-gen-jeanne-holm/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

NBC Nightly News Features VHP—Dispatch March 28, 2012

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams features the Veterans History Project on its website.

Click the link below to watch the full piece:
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/46821869/#46821869

Share the link with your community and social networks; let them know that you contribute to this grassroots, nationwide effort.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Women in the Gulf War: A Landmark Panel Discussion Hosted by the Veterans History Project—Dispatch March 20, 2012

It has been more than 20 years since Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield (Persian Gulf War). This conflict was a turning point in the role of women in war, and introduced an era of women’s expanded participation in military operations, bringing with it new challenges and potentially more dire consequences.

The Veterans History Project observes this anniversary and Women’s History Month with a landmark panel discussion featuring four women veterans of the conflict. Organized in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affair’s Center for Minority Veterans and Center for Women Veterans, the panel will explore the expanded role of women in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Persian Gulf conflict; the hazards to women who served, including episodes of assault and trauma; and the long-term effects of service.

When: Tuesday, March 27th, 12:00 noon
Where: Library of Congress Jefferson Building, Whittall Pavilion
Free and open to the public

Please join us for this important event. For more information, visit http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-052.html.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

“Save The War Stories”: A Washington Post Editorial—Dispatch March 19, 2012

Historian John R. McNeill offered an impassioned and personal call to action to preserve the stories of veterans in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project in the Sunday, March 18th, edition of the Washington Post.

McNeill, a professor of history at Georgetown University and a vice president of the American Historical Association, had two uncles that served in World War II who are now both deceased. His father, who is 94 and also served, only recently wrote the story of his military experience. “When my children read their grandfather’s story,” McNeill writes, “I hope they will understand him and their country a little better.”

Read the full editorial at http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/save-the-war-stories--before-its-too-late/2012/03/13/gIQAE6JCHS_story.html. Consider sharing your desire to see veterans’ stories preserved in an editorial with your area newspapers.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP adopts QR codes—Dispatch March 16, 2012

Have you seen or heard of these two-dimensional bar codes, called QR codes? Short for Quick Response codes, these graphic elements enable smart phone and other users with bar code reading applications, a quick and simple way to easily get right to the website or information that is most pertinent to them.

VHP is pleased to begin implementing these on printed materials this spring. Perhaps you’d like to use it to let people in your organization, school, library, or town know more about the Veterans History Project.

A Library of Congress Blog post elaborates on QR codes and how to use them: http://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2010/09/download-our-iphone-app-the-qr-way/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans For Peace Recognizes University of Florida Samuel Proctor Oral History Program for Veterans History Project Initiative—Dispatch March 2, 2012

The Veterans History Project congratulates the University of Florida Samuel Proctor Oral History Program (SPOHP) on its receipt of a grant from the Gainesville, Florida, Chapter of Veterans For Peace to collect the oral histories of veterans of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

The SPOHP began serving as a center of research for the Veterans History Project in 2010, working to gather and make known the remembrances of American war veterans, and preserving their stories at both the University of Florida and the Library of Congress. Learn more about SPOHP, one of the premier oral history programs in the nation, and its collaboration with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project at www.history.ufl.edu/oral.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP and the American Red Cross—Dispatch March 1, 2012

Each year the President of the United States proclaims March “Red Cross Month.” Since its founding in 1881, the American Red Cross has offered care to the victims of war and natural disasters. The Red Cross also provides services to active duty military and veterans through its Service to the Armed Forces and Service to Military Families. Chapters nationwide participate in the Veterans History Project as a service to veterans in their communities. Contact your local Red Cross office to learn if they participate with VHP.

At the American Red Cross El Paso, volunteer Ann Broillet leads a team of five volunteers recording the stories of the community’s veterans. Ms. Broillet served 48 years as a military civilian as an assistant to several commanding generals at Fort Bliss. She now preserves their stories. “It’s very important to know what America is made of, to see it on tape” Ms. Broillet says. “They are dying for us, every day, and I think because of that it is very important for this kind of information to go forward,” she adds.

KTSM News Channel 9 El Paso recently featured Ms. Broillet and the Red Cross El Paso’s VHP initiative. View the story at: http://www.ktsm.com/a-living-history.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Welcomes Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to Washington—Dispatch February 24, 2012

The Veterans History Project extends a welcome to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) members attending the annual mid-winter conference in Washington, D.C.

VHP invites DAV members to the VHP Information Center on Tuesday, February 28th, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Information Center is in the Library of Congress James Madison Building, adjacent to Capitol South Metro. For directions and information, visit http://www.loc.gov/visit/maps/floorplan.php?map=lm1.

DAV is collaborating with the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) to better share the story of America’s veterans with lawmakers and the nation. Organizations and individuals looking for creative collaborations in their communities are welcome to join VHP, DAV, and the National Court Reporters at the Library of Congress on February 28th. To learn more about the DAV/NCRF collaboration, watch the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-c8-3i5iiI.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Educational Resources to Commemorate Four Chaplains Day—Dispatch February 1, 2012

February 3rd marks Four Chaplains Day. VHP observed the occasion in 2011 with special programs and a web feature recognizing the service of military chaplains and the significance of preserving their stories.

This year the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington (JHSGW) makes resources available to students and teachers to learn about the significance of chaplains, and specifically the Four Chaplains that perished at sea on the USAT Dorchester 69 years ago. VHP’s chaplains web feature is among the resources available on the Society’s website.

Teacher resources page: http://jhsgw.org/education/jahm_resources07.php
Chaplains web feature: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-chaplains.html.

VHP contributor and Vietnam War veteran Chaplain Arnold E. Resnicoff will commemorate Four Chaplains Day at an event at the Washington Hebrew Congregation on February 3rd at 6:00 p.m., in conjunction with JHSGW.

Visit the JHSGW website to learn more about the event: www.jhsgw.org.
Hear Rabbi Resnicoff’s talk on “Faith and Foxholes” at the Library of Congress in spring 2010 at: http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4915

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Enriching Collections, Even After Submission—Dispatch January 31, 2012

VHP comprises nearly 80,000 individual stories of veterans from World War I through the current conflicts. Each story is a unique and valuable contribution that enables future generations to hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Sometimes, though, there’s more to the story than what’s been donated.

For that reason, VHP collections remain “open” for additional materials even once the collection has been processed and added to the VHP catalogue. Veterans and family members can always contribute additional items to enrich an existing collection—be it that they remember additional details or aspects of experience not spoken about in an interview, or come across original documents such as letters and photographs they wish to be preserved.

When donating additional materials to an existing collection, always include a cover letter that explains it is an addition to a veteran’s story.

Every veteran’s story deserves to be preserved; every aspect of that story does, too.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Book Talk to Examine History, Stories, and Cultural Impact of Dog Tags—Dispatch January 20, 2012

The one hundredth anniversary of the official use of American personal identity tags, affectionately known as “dog tags,” recently passed. Dog tags are highly personal items to every serviceman and woman, and to their families as well. Each dog tag carries its own story. Author Ginger Cucolo examines the significance of dog tags in her new book, “Dog Tags: The History, Personal Stories, Cultural Impact, and Future of Military Identification.” Cucolo researched portions of her book in the VHP collection.

Please join the American Folklife Center and Veterans History Project on Thursday, January 26th, in the Mary Pickford Theater in the Madison Building at the Library of Congress for a free book talk by the author. The event begins at noon. Veterans are encouraged to wear their dog tags.

For more information, visit: http://www.loc.gov/folklife/events/botkin-lectures.html#january26
For directions, visit: http://www.loc.gov/visit/directions.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

DAV, Court Reporters Co-Host Event to Record Veterans’ Stories—Dispatch January 10, 2012

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) will launch a joint initiative this weekend to collect disabled veterans’ stories for the Veterans History Project. The initiative arises out of a $5,000 grant from the DAV Charitable Service Trust to NCRF specifically to interview and transcribe DAV members’ stories for VHP.

When: Saturday, January 14th, 2012. Interviews begin at 9:30 a.m.
Where: National Court Reporters Association Headquarters, 8224 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22182.

Learn more about the event and DAV-NCRF collaboration at: http://www.ncra.org/News/newsdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=12293.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans History Project Marks 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor—Dispatch December 7, 2011

The Veterans History Project (VHP) launches “Pearl Harbor – 70th Anniversary,” the 35th website feature in the Experiencing War series. Pearl Harbor presents the accounts from 15 veterans who experienced Pearl Harbor firsthand.

“Some tragedies from our history are permanently burned into the collective memory of our nation,” said Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick. “Pearl Harbor is certainly one.”

All of the veterans in the feature describe the sense of horror that dominated on Dec. 7, 1941. Kathryn Mary Doody was a nurse serving in the Army Nurse Corps, whose long and distinguished career in combat medicine began when she treated bombing victims brought to her Honolulu hospital from Pearl Harbor. James Doyle was a Photographer’s Mate First Class in the Navy; he used his camera to document the destruction of the harbor while dodging bullets from Japanese planes flying overhead. Robert Coates served aboard the USS Nevada. After Pearl Harbor, he went on to be involved in some of the heaviest action in the Pacific Theater. As he discusses in his interview, nothing ever rivaled the shock he felt on December 7.

Hear these personal histories and more at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-pearlharbor.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Make Your Holiday Even More Memorable—Dispatch November 23, 2011

This week, families nationwide will gather and create lifelong memories. The Veterans History Project wishes to be part of your special time of year, by offering a means to preserve the memory of a veteran for a loved one, family, or friend.

The Congressional Record from November 5, 2007, describes the rich experience of volunteering to record the story of a veteran for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

“This worthwhile investment of time and resources is a gift that can be given for generations and centuries to come,” the Record reads. “The goal of the [Veterans History] Project is to capture the personal stories of our Nation's heroes so our children and their children and their children can more fully understand the history of this century.”

Volunteer to record the interview of a veteran this year—your gift to them, current and future generations, and the nation.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

ePals Teacher Spotlight Features VHP Volunteer Paul LaRue—November 22, 2011

ePals Global Community, the world’s largest K-12 social learning network, is spotlighting Paul LaRue, an Ohio high school social studies teacher and Veterans History Project (VHP) volunteer. LaRue has required his students to participate with VHP since 2003 by recording veterans’ interviews and typing transcripts. To date, his students have contributed 68 veterans’ collections from across Ohio.

Not only are LaRue’s students collecting stories to contribute to this national project where they will be preserved for posterity, but they are also learning history directly from the veterans who experienced it—lessons that won’t soon be forgotten. Many teachers use participating with VHP as an interdisciplinary supplement to their curricula. In addition to learning history, students gain skills at researching, interviewing, operating recording equipment, typing transcripts, working in groups, and project coordination. The Library of Congress website, www.loc.gov, offers primary source sets using VHP collections which teachers may download and incorporate into their lesson plans.

The ePals Global Community recognizes teachers who engage students in great projects which enrich the entire community. Teachers whose projects are rated most highly by the community become eligible for the prestigious Casey Global Education Award.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Remembering Veterans beyond Veterans Day—Dispatch November 17, 2011

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) was among organizations that participated in the Veterans History Project (VHP) Make it Meaningful Initiative, which offered straightforward suggestions on how to recognize veterans in the workplace during Veterans Day 2011.

CNCS also featured a Veterans Day guest blog post by VHP Liaison Specialist Jamie Stevenson.

The blog post shares ways in which individuals and groups can collect one-of-a-kind stories of service from veterans in their communities. These stories become part of the permanent collection at the Library of Congress, preserved for future generations. Read the National Service Blog here:
http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/blog/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=680

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Duke Center for Documentary Studies Launches VHP Initiative—Dispatch November 16, 2011

VHP Director Bob Patrick will help the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University launch a statewide effort to record veterans’ stories and add them to the Veterans History Project. Director Patrick will speak in Durham on November 18th to kick off the campaign.

Throughout spring 2012, the Center will offer:

A course taught by American Folklife Center Board Member Elaine Lawless, Lehman Brady Visiting Joint Chair Professor in Documentary Studies and American Studies at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and CDS instructor Michelle Lanier, for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students;

Several workshops, led by Lawless and Lanier, to train members of local communities in recording veterans’ stories and connecting with the national project database;

Special presentations for organizations that regularly serve North Carolina veterans.

More information about the November 18th event and statewide initiative may be found at http://www.cdsporch.org/archives/8188.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans History Project Commemorates Veterans Day with Make it Meaningful Initiative—Dispatch November 10, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

The Veterans History Project developed the Make it Meaningful Initiative to help organizations recognize the veterans who work among us every day.

Organizations joining VHP in the Make it Meaningful Initiative include the National Court Reporters Association, National Court Reporters Foundation, National Industries for the Blind, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service, AARP and the AARP Foundation, American Red Cross chapters in Texas and California, GolinHarris, Atria Senior Living, The Corporation for National and Community Service, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Judicial Center Library (Washington, D.C.), The Securities and Exchange Commission—Boston Region, and the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council.

Read more here: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2011/11-211.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Library of Congress Geography and Maps Division to House VHP Maps—Dispatch November 9, 2011

The Veterans History Project (VHP) is pleased to announce a VHP Maps Collection in collaboration with the Geography and Maps Division of the Library of Congress (G&M).

In recognition of Veterans Day 2011, G&M will become the custodian of over 100 VHP maps. The maps will be integrated into the G&M catalogue, which will allow researchers to identify them within the larger holdings of G&M and facilitate better access to these special materials. Researchers who wish to view VHP maps along with other maps will view them in one place, the G&M reading room.

Ralph Ehrenberg, Chief of G&M says, “We’re excited to become the stewards for these special materials. This collaboration will allow us to better serve patrons who come to the Library of Congress who are interested in military maps. We look forward to working with VHP to grow this collection.”

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

RSVP and Local TV6 Promote VHP Program—Dispatch November 9, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Michigan worked with local news station TV6 to tell the community about the ongoing Veterans History Project (VHP) program, and to invite area volunteers and veterans to join in.

This television and online news story explains the VHP process to the local community. http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=676789#.TrqhVlvYTyo

Local news outlets provide a no-cost way to promote your VHP program to local veterans and volunteers.

Learn more about RSVP here: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/rsvp.asp

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Maine’s Take a Veteran to School Day Program and VHP—Dispatch November 8, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

For the second year, Time Warner Cable, in partnership with the Maine National Guard, brings the HISTORY™ channel’s Take a Veteran to School Day™ program to seven Maine schools to ensure veterans’ stories are heard, remembered, and treasured so that students learn of their experiences. U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will share a video message for these important events honoring veterans.

For more information about Take a Veteran to School Day in Maine, visit www.veteransinmaine.com, or the Facebook page, “Veterans in Maine.”

To date, the stories of 20 World War II and Korean War veterans were recorded by Time Warner Cable for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. This year’s plan doubles the number of participating schools and includes veterans of the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.

This year includes Maine’s Adjutant General, John W. Libby, in Mahoney Middle School’s November 10th event. Over 1,000 students will participate at eight events in seven Maine schools across the state including Kennebunk High School, Edward Little High School, Presque Isle Middle School, the Peninsula School in Prospect Harbor and Mahoney and Memorial Middle Schools in South Portland.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

PARADE Magazine Features VHP for 11-11-11—Dispatch November 8, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

PARADE.com features the Library of Congress Veterans History Project at #4 in its list of 11 Ways to Help Veterans on 11-11-11.

According to PARADE, recording the interview of a veteran for the Library of Congress is an ideal way to help a veteran this Veterans Day.

Those who served our nation are as diverse as our population, and VHP is eager to include their stories in the Library’s permanent collections to ensure that everyone’s story is represented.
Read all 11 Ways here: http://www.parade.com/news/veterans/articles/11-ways-to-help-veterans-on-11-11-11.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Connecting volunteers with veterans through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)—Dispatch November 7, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

The Corporation for National and Community Service has one major goal—to get Americans to volunteer. Whether you have time, talent, or treasure, there’s something you can give to your community.

This Veterans Day, the CNCS invites volunteers nationwide to honor the veteran in their life by recording his or her story for the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. The VHP Field Kit provides straightforward, step-by-step guidelines on how to interview a veteran. It’s available online here: http://www.loc.gov/vets/pdf/fieldkit-2008.pdf

Additionally, if you are interested in starting a community-wide effort to engage with veterans and others who care about veterans, consider hosting a project or joining a project through http://www.serve.gov. The search engine provides a great tool for individuals and groups to use in locating projects close to home or to get aid in starting a project with the help of online toolkits.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Events in recognition of Veterans Day—Dispatch November 4, 2011-11-04

Veterans Day at the World War II Memorial
Who: Lieutenant General Julius W. Becton, Jr., USA (Ret) is a longtime spokesperson for the Veterans History Project. He will give the keynote address at the annual Veterans Day Commemoration at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall
When: Friday, November 11, 2011 at 9:00 AM
Learn More: http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org

Veterans Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Who: Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick will offer remarks during the launch of the VVMF-TV Internet TV Channel with a special Live Veterans Day Telethon webcast at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. The live webcast marks Veterans Day and is in recognition of the the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
When: Friday, November 11, 2011, at 1:00 PM
Learn More: http://www.vvmf.org

Veterans Writing Project (VWP)
What: A full seminar series run over two days open to all veterans, current active/reserve service members, and military family members to focus on the elements of writing.
Who: Sponsored by George Washington University's Veterans Services Office and the University Writing Program. Seminars are led by working writers who are graduates of MA or MFA writing or publishing programs and who are also combat veterans.
When: November 5th and 6th, 2011
Where: George Washington University in Washington, DC
Cost: Free
Learn more here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Veterans-Writing-Project/153719251350655?sk=wall

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

West Virginia’s Take a Veteran to School Day Program and VHP—Dispatch November 3, 2011

U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller, a member of the U. S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, helped launch the Take a Veteran to School Day Program in 2008 at Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg, WV. For the fourth consecutive year, in honor of Veterans Day, the West Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association (WVCTA) will bring the HISTORY® channel’s program to 14 different high schools throughout West Virginia.

Read a news release from Senator Rockefeller: http://rockefeller.senate.gov/press/record.cfm?id=334630&

For more information about Take a Veteran to School Day in West Virginia, visit www.veteransinwv.com or the Facebook page, “Veterans in WV.”

Students from the West Virginia University School of Journalism and Concord University will record veterans’ stories for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Approximately 202,000 veterans live in West Virginia, and 105 veterans’ stories have been sent to the Library of Congress since the WVCTA program began.

Local cable operators Suddenlink Communications, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Shentel, and Armstrong will participate to take the program to high schools across the state and the Boys and Girls Club to ensure that West Virginian veterans’ stories are heard, remembered, and revered.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Japanese American Veterans Receive Congressional Medals of Honor—November 2, 2011

Today, nearly seven decades after Pearl Harbor, Congress is honoring Japanese-American military units that helped the United States win World War II on two fronts, despite the hardships endured by many troops’ families back home. The veterans will have the Congressional Medal of Honor conferred upon them during a special ceremony at the Capitol. The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest civilian honor given by Congress.

Approximately 1,900 Japanese-Americans served in the units being honored today. Of them, many lost their lives or were wounded during battle, while their family members living in the United States were confined to internment camps.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) collections include those from Asian Pacific Americans who have made lasting contributions to America’s wartime efforts. Eight of these stories are included in a VHP Special Web Feature titled, “Asian Pacific Americans: Going for Broke.” The highlighted veterans served in wars including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq, with special emphasis on the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the “Go for Broke” outfit of Japanese-Americans, who fought valiantly in Europe during World War II.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VA and Red Cross Team Up in North Texas—Dispatch November 2, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

The Department of Veterans Affairs North Texas Healthcare System and the American Red Cross-North Texas Region have teamed up for a series of free VHP workshops around Veterans Day. The workshops kick off an initiative to engage organizations, schools, and community members in interviewing a veteran for the Library of Congress. More than 1.7 million veterans live in Texas.

Workshops shall be held on the following dates:

November 4th, 8:30 a.m., American Red Cross, Dallas
November 8th, 8:30 a.m., Fort Worth VA Outpatient Clinic
November 16th, 9:00 a.m., Bonham VA

Visit this link to learn more:
http://redcrossdallas.blogspot.com/2011/10/veterans-history-project.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans Day at Prince Institute-Great Lakes—Dispatch November 1, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

Prince Institute-Great Lakes campus in Schaumburg, IL, will host a Veterans Day event during which local court reporters will record and transcribe the life stories of area American wartime veterans and contribute the interviews and transcripts to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Nancy Bistany, CSR, RPR, FCRR, Owner of Bistany Reporting Services, will be on hand to explain the process court reporters follow to preserve these interviews.

• What: Veterans History Project
• When: November 11, 2011: 9:30 am–12:30 pm
• Where: Prince Institute-Great Lakes campus, 1300 East Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Learn more about Prince Institute-Great Lakes: http://www.princeinstitute.edu/locations/great-lakes/great-lakes-news/prince-institute-honors-veterans

The National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) has contributed to the VHP collection since 2003, working with members of the National Court Reporters Association to collect and transcribe approximately 2,300 veterans’ histories.
Learn more about NCRA and NCRF: http://www.ncra.org/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

UCF Community Veterans History Project Hosts a Week of Honor and Remembrance in commemoration of Veterans Day 2011—Dispatch October 31, 2011

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes innovative VHP initiatives nationwide in a series of daily RSS feeds.

On November 7, the nation’s second largest university, University of Central Florida (UCF), kicks off a week of commemorative events to build participation in its Community Veterans History Project (UCFCVHP). Events include an Honor Ceremony, research colloquium on the Vietnam War, and unveiling of the Florida Fallen Heroes Quilt Project in cooperation with the university’s Office of Diversity Initiatives.

In its pilot phase UCFCVHP has engaged multiple disciplines and departments, and dedicated military historian Dr. Barbara Gannon to provide expertise to the Project. Dr. Gannon’s “The Won Cause” is the focus of a book discussion on November 10. UCFCVHP Veterans Day activities culminate with participation in the Orlando Veterans Day Parade on November 12. Florida veterans can learn more about UCFCVHP or register to be interviewed at http://riches.cah.ucf.edu/veterans/.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans History Project’s Eleventh Anniversary—Dispatch October 27, 2011

The Veterans History Project (VHP) marks the eleventh anniversary of its congressional mandate to collect, preserve, and share the first person recollections of American wartime veterans so that current and future generations may hear directly from those who served.

As Veterans Day 2011 nears, we encourage the nation to mark 11-11-11 in a meaningful way, in recognition of the men and women who served our country. During the coming weeks, VHP will launch a Make it Meaningful Initiative, which suggests straightforward ways organizations can recognize the veterans all around us.

Today, we invite you to watch the VHP Tenth Year Commemoration, which was held in 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsItYeMO3n4

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP at the Redskins Timeout for Military Veteran’s Health—Dispatch October 25, 2011

The Veterans History Project will be at FedExField in Landover, MD, to share information about VHP with passers-by on Saturday, October 29, 2011, during the Redskins 4th Annual Timeout for Military Veteran’s Health Screening event.

This is a free, nonprofit event available to military members, veterans and their families.

Other participants:
American Legion
American Veterans
Blinded Veterans Association
Disabled American Veterans
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Military Officers Association of America
Military Order of the Purple Heart
National Association for Black Veterans
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Veterans Enterprise Training and Services Group
Veterans of Modern Warfare
Vietnam Veterans of America
Veterans of Foreign Wars
GlaxoSmithKline

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP: A Leader at the Oral History Association 2011 Annual Meeting—Dispatch October 20, 2011

As the largest oral history project in the U.S., the Veterans History Project (VHP) took a leading role in shaping the dialogue surrounding war, memory, and oral history at this year’s Oral History Association annual meeting.

VHP led two roundtable discussions in conjunction with VHP participants. The first, with representatives from the Durham Western Heritage Museum and Nebraska Educational Television, a PBS affiliate, was a session titled, “The Good, The Bad and the Real: Utilizing the Veterans History Project to Enhance Partnerships, Build Collections and Find New Audiences.” Designed to help organizations get the most from their local collaborative efforts, the discussion focused on strategies, tips, and lessons learned from this successful venture. The second probed how oral historians and other organizations have worked in tandem to build the VHP collection in a session titled, “The Library of Congress Veterans History Project.” The panel participants were Dr. Stephen Sloan, Baylor Institute for Oral History; Sarah Milligan, Kentucky Historical Commission; and Paul Ortiz, Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, University of Florida.

The panels fit well with the meeting’s overall theme of “Memories of Conflict and Disaster.” This theme was explored through a wide variety of panels and papers presented during the conference, attended by hundreds of oral historians, authors, and documentarians from around the world. Learn more about the Oral History Association at http://www.oralhistory.org.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Marks National Hispanic Heritage Month—Dispatch October 13, 2011

October 15th closes National Hispanic Heritage Month. Mark that date by watching the Veterans History Project (VHP) interviews of some veterans of Hispanic heritage: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-hispanicveterans.html

VHP currently holds close to 700 individual stories of Hispanic veterans, but there are likely many more among the over 75,000 stories in the VHP collection.

Veterans who share a story with VHP have the option to self identify their race or ethnicity on VHP’s required forms. As we commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we encourage all veterans to identify their heritage so that we can accurately reflect the diversity within the VHP collection and of those who served.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Farewell to Frank Kameny—Dispatch October 12, 2011

American Veterans for Equal Rights interviewed LGBT civil rights advocate and WWII veteran Frank Kameny for the Veterans History Project.

Kameny passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at the age of 86. But, his story remains. Watch it now, and remember him: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.05208

Kameny’s official documents are among the Library’s permanent collections and were on display in 2011 as part of an exhibit on the nation's constitutional history and civil rights protections. http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2006/06-185.html

Learn more about American Veterans for Equal Rights here: http://aver.us/aver/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

DAV Charitable Service Trust, NCRF, and VHP—Dispatch October 4, 2011

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust awarded a $5,000 grant to the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) to expand the Veterans History Project (VHP) by interviewing and transcribing the oral histories of disabled American wartime veterans who are members of the DAV.

Read the NCRF announcement: http://ncraonline.org/NCRA/archivednews/archives_2011/110921/ncrf.htm

Learn more about DAV: http://www.dav.org/Default.aspx

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Presentation During the South Carolina Council for the Social Studies—Dispatch September 28, 2011

Bridget Federspiel of the Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, Ohio, engages her students to record the interviews of local veterans for the Veterans History Project.

Ms. Federspiel and fellow educator Perry McLeod are presenting “Learn and Preserve History from Those That Lived it!” on September 30, 2011, during the South Carolina Council for the Social Studies’ “Keeping it Civil” Annual Conference in Greenville, South Carolina: http://www.sccss.org/conference.html

“Learn and Preserve History from Those That Lived it!” highlights students who practice the art of documenting history by interviewing local veterans about their service experience. In addition, attendees will hear how students apply 21st century skills to the interview process and help preserve the history of the U.S.

VHP as Primary Sources in the classroom:
Learn how educators and students across the nation use VHP’s primary source sets in the classroom:
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/veterans/
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/veterans/struggles.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP and the 2011 National Book Festival—Dispatch September 21, 2011

Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick will be among the speakers at the 2011 National Book Festival on the National Mall this Saturday, September 24th, 2011. Director Patrick will announce VHP’s fall campaign, “11/11/11: Make it Meaningful.” VHP staff will be on-hand to offer ideas on how to make 11-11-11 a meaningful day in your community.

Director Patrick speaks at 12:20 PM and again at 3:40 PM. Look for VHP in the “Library of Congress Pavilion” (near 7th St. and Jefferson Drive). A full site map is available at: http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject

Cleansing the Soul: The Missouri Veterans History Project—Dispatch September 20, 2011

Charles Whitten never spoke to his family about WWII. Thanks to dedicated volunteers in Missouri—including a Vietnam veteran and a mother of an Iraq war veteran—Whitten’s experiences as a combat medic at the Battle of the Bulge will be preserved in the Library of Congress. The process of telling his story “cleansed my soul,” Whitten said.

Whitten was among the veterans recently interviewed by volunteers for the Missouri Veterans History Project. Started in 2010, the Missouri Veterans History Project unites a diverse group of organizations to preserve the stories of Missouri veterans and engage community members. Veterans’ organizations, the University of Missouri, Midwest Litigation Services and the State Historical Society work together in this statewide initiative. Learn more about the unique program at http://www.mvhp.net/index.htm

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Start the School Year with VHP—Dispatch September 8, 2011

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and back-to-school for students nationwide.

This year millions will study our nation’s military history. Students who conduct oral histories with veterans learn nuance and texture not found in textbooks or online media.

Watch the video and be inspired to participate: http://www.youtube.com/napstv#p/search/0/a71TDx409vU

Access VHP educational resources on Apple’s iTunes U:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/veterans-history-project/id438186138

Share your experiences with VHP on your social media pages.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

A Call to Action on Labor Day—Dispatch September 2, 2011

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington encouraged all Americans to honor the veterans in their lives on Veterans Day 2010. The message remains relevant this Labor Day—pledge to record the story of a veteran for the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. http://www.youtube.com/napstv#p/u/4/MgPrF8po8PI

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

The Code of Support Foundation Endorses VHP—Dispatch August 24, 2011

The Code of Support Foundation encourages all Americans to support our troops in a variety of ways—one being to engage in volunteer service programs.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) is honored to be selected as a featured organization by the Code of Support Foundation. To learn more about VHP and other organizations visit: http://codeofsupport.org/get-involved/featured-organizations

On September 3, 2011, Code of Support will launch "Patriots & Heroes Pacific-to-Potomac Relay," a nine day cross-country motorcycle relay. Patriot Guard Riders plan to collect 100,000 pledges to contribute to one of the Code of Support organizations.

Adm. Mike Mullen will accept the pledges on September 11, 2011.

To learn more about the relay and locate the stop nearest you, visit: http://codeofsupport.org/events/patriots-and-heroes-relay

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Books Now Accessible to the Blind and Handicapped—Dispatch August 18, 2011

The National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) has transcribed two Veterans History Project (VHP) publications, now making them accessible in Braille, on audio cassette and by digital cartridge. The books, “Voices of War: Stories of Service from the Home Front and the Front Lines” and “Forever a Soldier: Unforgettable Stories of Wartime Service,” are compilations of first-person accounts from the VHP collections.

Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of Braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail. Since its inception, NLS has had a strong relationship with America’s veterans, as its founding legislation requires it to offer priority service to veterans through its national network of libraries. To apply for this service or access other wartime memoirs via the online catalogue, go to www.loc.gov/nls.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marks its 221st Year—Dispatch August 4, 2011

The Veterans History Project salutes the U.S. Coast Guard, America’s maritime first responder, as it celebrates 221 years of service.

“For 221 years, Coastguardsmen have stood the watch both home and abroad. Recording these efforts through the Veterans History Project is a fitting tribute to their maritime service to our nation,” said Warren Wright, a military fellow in the office of Senator Lisa Murkowski.

The Veterans History Project collection includes 622 stories from women and men who served in the Coast Guard. We invite you to listen to some of their stories of service at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/cgmm-coastguard.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Co-Hosts Event to Honor Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown

The Veterans History Project (VHP) commemorates the July 26, 1948, anniversary of the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a film screening and panel discussion honoring Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown, the nation’s first African-American to be trained as an aviator for the Navy. http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2011/11-131.html

When: Thursday, July 28th, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: U.S. Navy Memorial Burke Theater.
The event is free and open to the public.

Co-hosts include the U.S. Navy Memorial, the US Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee, and The University of Central Florida (UCF).

Medal of Honor recipient Captain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), wingman to Ensign Brown, will moderate the discussion. Panelists include:

• The Honorable B.J. Penn
• LCDR Roland M. Christensen, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
• Captain Robert O. Blackington, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
• Jamal Knight
• Valada Parker Flewellyn

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Congressional Staffer, Library Volunteer Preserve Vietnam Veteran's Story—Dispatch July 20, 2011

Jason Jensen, a major in the Air Force and a legislative liaison for U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad invited his uncle, Mike Brock, to share his personal recollections of service during the Vietnam War with the Veterans History Project. Read an article on the experience here: http://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-vietnam-vet-interviewed-for-national-archive/article_8cf249bc-af75-11e0-b125-001cc4c03286.html

VHP volunteer interviewer Barbara Torreon conducted the interview. “It was a great honor to sit with Mr. Brock and listen to his story. It’s important to volunteer to record the stories of our veterans and ensure they are housed in the Library of Congress’ permanent collections.” Torreon is an Information Research Specialist with the Library’s Congressional Research Service and was recently appointed to the 2011-2012 Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Currently Serving Military Spouse Advisory Council.

Interviews are conducted by volunteers, like Ms. Torreon, all across the nation in living rooms, at dining room tables, in community centers and retirement homes—any place family and friends gather to have a conversation. VHP's online Field Kit provides the step-by-step guidelines you can follow to record the interview of the veterans in your life: http://www.loc.gov/vets/pdf/fieldkit-2008.pdf

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Before the Memories Fade—Dispatch July 14, 2011

In Wisconsin, groups are working to collect the stories of WWII Veterans. Former local news anchor Beth Zurbuchen laments how she waited too long to ask her father about his wartime service and wartime photographs in a story published over the 4th of July in the Wisconsin State Journal. Read the story here: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_e0cccee0-a426-11e0-abe2-001cc4c002e0.html. She challenges people to take the time and ask the questions before it's too late. Zurbuchen's father passed away earlier this year, just as she began organizing his wartime memorabilia.

The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center has collected 46,000 accounts of WWII veterans nationwide. With an average of nearly 740 WWII veterans passing each day, time is running out. Bob Patrick, Director of the Veterans History Project, urges volunteers to step up their efforts to collect the memories of these WWII veterans while they are still able to share their stories.

The Veterans History Project was a result of legislation filed by US. Representative Ron Kind (WI-3). Congressman Kind began recording war stories that his veteran family members told in the family's backyard. He was motivated to record the stories of the veterans in his life so his young sons would be able to hear their stories. While recording these stories, he realized veterans and their families all over the country should be given the opportunity to share their experiences. Not only does this project fill in the chapter in a family's history that in many cases would go empty, but also serves as a lasting memorial to the men and women who have served our nation as well as a valued resource for researchers and scholars.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Interview Tips for VHP Volunteer Interviewers—Dispatch July 12, 2011

The Veterans History Project (VHP) suggests volunteer interviewers follow three tips, which will enhance the experience of sharing a story with the Library of Congress and help the interview meet VHP requirements for inclusion in the VHP collection:

• Do not record a veteran without his or her knowledge.
• If the veteran becomes emotional and requests you turn the recorder off for a short time, remember to turn the audio or video recorder back to the "ON" position before the interview resumes.
• VHP collections are made available to the general public, and it is at the discretion of the veteran to determine what he or she does or does not talk about during the interview.

Refer to VHP's online Field Kit for a complete outline of straightforward guidelines on how to record the story of U.S. veterans: http://www.loc.gov/vets/pdf/fieldkit-2008.pdf

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans History Project Stories Featured on the “Snap Judgment” Radio Program—Dispatch July 8, 2011

For Jose Mares, it wasn’t much of a choice: prison or war. But in Korea, he excelled and had close friends, especially Wally Walker. Both of their lives took a terrible turn when Jose made a promise he was unable to keep.

Frances Liberty was a good Catholic school girl. But that all changed when she decided to serve as a nurse in the army. She served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Grenada, and developed a sass that deeply affected many who met her.

Both incredible stories from the Library of Congress Veteran History Project collection are currently featured on the “Snap Judgment” radio program: http://snapjudgment.org/gi. The complete oral history interviews and corresponding historic documents can be found at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.06059/ and
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.02548/ .

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

U.S. Representative Sander Levin Helps Preserve Veterans Stories—Dispatch July 6, 2011

Congressman Sander Levin marked July 4th by reflecting on the significance of recording the stories of those who have sacrificed to sustain our nation’s way of life. His editorial in The Detroit News can be read online at: http://detnews.com/article/20110703/OPINION01/107030307/Veterans-share-their-stories#ixzz1RElDjk9j

Representative Levin is but one of many Members of Congress who have engaged community organizations and schools to collect stories for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. The Project was created by a unanimous act of Congress in the year 2000.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

U.S. Representative Michael McCaul Records VHP Interview—Dispatch June 27, 2011

Congressman Michael McCaul will record the interview of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Mayor Leffingwell served as an officer and pilot in the U.S. Navy, and he spent five years on active duty including service in Vietnam.

Mayor Leffingwell’s interview is part of Congressman McCaul’s VHP program, which kicked off on Memorial Day 2011. “Memorial Day is a time for our nation to pause and pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in the service of our country,” said Congressman McCaul. “This year, I want to make sure that veterans in my district have the opportunity to share their story so that these important historical accounts will be preserved for generations to come.” Read more here: http://mccaul.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=29&parentid=7&sectiontree=7,29&itemid=1186

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Farewell to WWII Ace Fighter Pilot John Alison—Dispatch June 14, 2011

John Alison shared a five-hour-long video with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project in 2003 to ensure his story of military service was preserved for current and future generations.

Alison passed away on Monday, June 13th at the age of 98. But, his story remains. Watch it now, and remember him: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.07422/

The New York Times story on his life appears here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/10/us/10alison.html?_r=2&ref=obituaries

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Veterans History Project Surpasses 15,000 RSS Subscribers—Dispatch June 10, 2011

The Veterans History Project (VHP) recently surpassed 15,000 RSS subscribers.

The VHP RSS—most commonly known as Really Simple Syndication—is an effective way to stay current with unique VHP initiatives across the country, hear about upcoming VHP events and programs, receive timely VHP information, and learn creative ways other VHP contributors record veterans’ stories. The rich cache of information found in past VHP Dispatches is always accessible at http://www.loc.gov/rss/vhp/vhp.xml.

Encourage those in your community to subscribe to VHP’s RSS. Help spread the word about the national effort to preserve American war veterans’ stories in the Library of Congress.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events, and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Interview Developed into Book—Dispatch June 8, 2011

Mission to Mach 2: A Fighter Pilot's Memoir of Supersonic Flight is new book about the military experiences of Robert Earl Haney. The book is a direct outcome of the Veterans History Project interview that Lee Courtnage recorded of Haney on behalf of OASIS in Albuquerque, NM.

Watch the VHP interview online: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.27290/

Read more about Mission to Mach 2: http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-6316-9

Increasingly, authors and scholars rely upon oral histories from the VHP collection to inform their work, including:

The U.S. Citizen-Soldier and the Global War on Terror: The National Guard Experience, a Tufts University study. http://new.alnap.org/pool/files/912.pdf

Through Veterans’ Eyes: The Iraq and Afghanistan Experience, a book by historian Larry Minear (Potomac Books, 2010). http://larryminear.com

Voices of War and Forever a Soldier are two books published by National Geographic and the Veterans History Project. http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/voicesofwar/ and http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/foreverasoldier/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

D-Day Remembered—Dispatch June 6, 2011

On June 6, 1944, after years of planning, Allied troops landed on five beaches in the French region of Normandy, beginning Operation Overlord. The objective was to secure a beachhead so the invading Allied armies could pass into Western Europe. More than 73,000 American troops participated in the landings at Omaha and Utah beaches, dubbed Operation Neptune. The hard-fought victory proved a watershed moment in the outcome of World War II and in American history.

The VHP collection holds incredible stories from the men that participated in this fateful moment in history. U.S. Navy Beachmaster Joe Vaghi maneuvered the men and material that made the invasion possible. U.S. Army Sgt Claud Woodring vividly recalls the horrors of the Omaha Beach landing. These and other stories are available in VHP’s “Experiencing War” feature on D-Day, found at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-dday65.html.

Sixty-seven years later, an ever fewer number of American veterans are alive to share their first-hand experiences. VHP urges all Americans to interview a veteran to ensure these stories are preserved.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Names Travers as 10,000th Digitized Story—Dispatch May 31, 2011

In February 1945, Coast Guard veteran George A. Travers supported the historic landing at Iwo Jima aboard a Landing Ship, Tank (LST), which carried U.S. Marines and various landing crafts. Sixty-six years later, Travers and all veterans who record interviews for the Veterans History Project are making history once again—by ensuring their personal stories are recorded for future generations.

Online accessibility is an increasingly emergent need for researchers, historians, educators, students, as well as veterans’ family members. Now patrons across the world can visit www.loc.gov/vets and relive stories such as Mr. Travers’ with a few clicks of the mouse. His and 9,999 other stories are “digitized,” making the contents of these collections—oral history interviews, photographs, letters, and historic documents—accessible to anyone with Internet access. Mr. Travers’ riveting digitized interview can be heard here: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.37943/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Military Aviation Featured in Wings of War—Dispatch May 27, 2011

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) marks Memorial Day 2011 with the launch of Wings of War, the 34th website feature in the “Experiencing War” series. Wings of War highlights the important role of military aviation through the digitized, first-hand accounts of 24 military aviators. Their stories are among the 10,000 digitized collections found at www.loc.gov/vets.

One veteran featured is World War II Army Air Corpsman Thomas Carson Griffin, part of the 17th Bomb Group and a member of the team that flew combat missions with aviation pioneer Jimmy Doolittle. Also featured is Vietnam veteran Marvin Pixton III, who served a tour of duty in both helicopters and in jets, and was a member of the last unit to leave Vietnam. Against all odds, Phyllis Marie Aloisio Capelle joined the Marines during World War II at the age of 21 and became a machinist’s mate. Capelle aspired to become a pilot following her military service, but unfair hiring practices, common at the time, presented barriers to women. Instead, she pursued a career as a commercial flight attendant. These and other stories told in the veterans’ own words can be found at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-wingsofwar.html.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

UCF and VHP: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Chronicling Veterans’ Experiences—Dispatch May 26, 2011

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a creative example of how students and veterans can preserve a rich sense of community identity through collaboration with the Veterans History Project (VHP). UCF embeds VHP into undergraduate courses across multiple disciplines, engaging students and the community in an effort supported by several different departments within the nation’s third largest university. The interviews produced are then contributed to the Library of Congress.

Learn more about the initiative and view the UCF-VHP “trailer” on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPtRbqXN7cE. Florida veterans who wish to be interviewed can register at http://riches.cah.ucf.edu/veterans/.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Apple iTunes U Spotlights Veterans History Project Stories—Dispatch May 25, 2011

iTunes U now features Veterans History Project “how-to-record-an-interview” guidelines and excerpts from veteran interviews. Download them today for FREE.

iTunes U is a component of the popular Apple iTunes application. The distribution system allows the general public to download select educational content such as lectures, language lessons, films, and audiobooks. To learn more, visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/veterans-history-project/id438186138

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Military Chaplains “213 by 2-3-13 Campaign”—Dispatch May 17, 2011

This past February, VHP sponsored a series of events to recognize the service of military chaplains, each with a mission to nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the dead. To ensure that the stories of these important, yet often overlooked, service men and women are preserved, the Military Chaplains Association (MCA) and the National VA Chaplains Center (NCC) have launched a "213 by 2-3-13 Campaign" to capture the stories of at least 213 military chaplains by the 70th anniversary of Four Chaplains Day.

To kick off the campaign, Chaplain Michael L. McCoy, President of MCA and Associate Director of NCC, hosted a VHP workshop during their joint conference on May 3rd in Hampton, VA. All chaplains who served in the U.S. military are encouraged to participate in the “213 by 2-3-13 Campaign.” To sign up or for more details, contact Chaplain McCoy at Michael.McCoy@va.gov.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Recognizes Military Nurses and National Nurses Week—Dispatch May 12, 2011

The Veterans History Project (VHP) recognizes National Nurses Week, celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Learn more at http://www.nursingworld.org/NationalNursesWeek

The VHP collection holds the stories of more than 800 nurses who served in the U.S. military. Rhona Marie Knox Prescott recalls how during the height of the Vietnam War, a severe shortage of Army doctors meant surgeries were performed in makeshift field tents in non-sterile environments. Frances Liberty tended to scores of wounded soldiers in her 28-year military career that spanned three wars. Diane Henderson candidly recalls the harsh daily life of a field hospital in Bahrain during the Persian Gulf War, and the challenges of being a mother as well as a soldier.

These inspiring stories are among the more than 9,000 fully digitized by VHP to date. To hear them, visit www.loc.gov/vets, click “Search The Veterans Collection,” and enter the name of the veteran. Though not every story received by VHP can be digitized, each veteran receives a unique service record page recognizing his or her contribution to VHP. To ensure that the name of the veteran in your life appears in our database for future generations, interview him or her for the Veterans History Project this Memorial Day.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Effects of the Persian Gulf War: Twenty Years Later—Dispatch May 5, 2011

In April 1991, an official cease-fire ended the first Gulf War. Twenty years later, the Department of Veterans Affairs finds Gulf War veterans still suffer from a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms. The VA classifies it as a “prominent condition” among Gulf War veterans, of whom nearly 700,000 were deployed to the region during the conflict. Learn more at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/medically-unexplained-illness.asp.

In her VHP interview, Wendy Marie Wamsley Taines speaks candidly about her experience as a medic during the Persian Gulf War, and the psychological and physical stresses she combated when she returned home. “When we came back form the war, we just came back and went back to life as usual,” she says. “It wasn’t until ten years later that I’m having reactions to what I did.” Taines uses her battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to push for better treatment for today’s veterans when they return from conflict. You may hear her story at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.24791/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Cover Letters Needed—Dispatch April 28, 2011

Thanks to thousands of volunteers and Congressional offices all over the country, VHP has received nearly 75,000 collections during our first 11 years. On average, we receive an additional 100-200 new collections each week—no small feat for VHP’s dedicated collections processors who work tirelessly to catalog and preserve each veteran’s story as quickly and efficiently as possible. Donors may aid in this process by inserting a cover letter with their submissions and by collating each veteran’s materials before mailing them. By doing so, it will speed up processing time, avoid possible confusion, and decrease the amount of time a veteran must wait to view his or her web page on VHP’s website, www.loc.gov/vets.

To that end, all collections sent to VHP should be accompanied by a cover letter in each package, which includes the donor's name and contact information; organization’s name (if applicable); date materials are being sent; detailed list of what is included in the package; and a description of any known problems with the collection(s) (if applicable).

If multiple collections are being submitted in the same package, donors should separate each veteran’s collection by placing their interview, forms and accompanying materials in a folder or envelope labeled with the veteran’s name and date of birth. Folders or envelopes should be placed in the package alphabetically. Thank you in advance for helping VHP streamline the collections process!

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP: A Thought-Leader During the National Council on Public History 2011 Annual Meeting—Dispatch April 15, 2011

The Veterans History Project (VHP) contributes to thoughtful dialogue on a variety of topics, including the therapeutic aspects of storytelling. Stay tuned during the coming weeks to read examples of VHP’s growing role as a thought-leader in these vital conversations.

Recently, VHP Collection Specialist Megan Harris led a roundtable discussion entitled “A Storied Community: The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress,” as part of the 2011 Annual Meeting of the National Council on Public History on Friday, April 8 in Pensacola, Florida. http://ncph.org/cms/

The panel featured VHP participants from across the country, including: Patrick Moore, University of West Florida; Eileen Hurst, Central Connecticut State University; Anneliesa Alprin, Georgetown University; Karen Corcoran, Escambia School District; James Williams, Middle Tennessee State University; and Rosalind Beiler, University of Central Florida. Audience members, including student interviewers and prospective VHP participants, also contributed to the discussion.

Several audience members recounted their experiences with the therapeutic aspect of interviewing for VHP. Often, veterans may find it cathartic to share painful memories of war, though they may be reticent to participate in a taped interview. If this is the case, veterans may contribute written memoirs, or items such as original letters, photographs, or military papers.

With a conversation focused on the personal and intergenerational bonds that VHP can help foster, the panel fit in well with the conference’s overall theme of “Crossing Borders/Building Communities—Real and Imagined.” This theme was explored through a wide variety of panels and papers presented during the conference, all of which sought to investigate how the public engages with the past. Learn more about the National Council for Public History at www.ncph.org.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Tuskegee Airmen Featured on NPR—Dispatch April 12, 2011

Your may have heard NPR’s All Things Considered featuring Tuskegee Airmen during the April 12, 2011, show. Listen, read the transcript, and view photographs here: http://www.npr.org/2011/04/11/135177510/tuskegee-airmen-rock-stars-of-american-history

Nearly 30 Tuskegee Airmen have shared their story with the Veterans History Project. Hiram Mann, who is included in the NPR interview, is among them. Listen to his whole story now at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.48186/

Listen to the stories of other African American veterans highlighted in the following VHP Web Features:
http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-buffalosoldiers.html
http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-afam.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Americans At War: A Model For VHP Collaboration—Dispatch April 7, 2011

Representative Mike Thompson (CA-1), the American Red Cross, and Da Vinci Charter Academy offer a recent example of how to use VHP to bring American history to life for students. Rep. Thompson and the American Red Cross organized a VHP workshop for the community, at which ten students were trained to teach other students how to conduct interviews with American veterans. The oral histories were then used to inform the students’ Americans At War project, and added to the Veterans History Project collection.

Teachers Paul Millsap, Ian Stevenson, and Hayleigh Munoz devised the Americans At War project to challenge students to analyze historical facts, fiction and non-fiction works, and oral histories from a particular conflict. The students created web and multi-media presentations that respond to driving questions about the impact of war on individuals, societies, and the nation at-large. The veteran interview is a new component, introduced to enhance student recognition of the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of American conflicts. The end-products, such as the student-created website http://vietnamawbb.weebly.com/, are testament to the efficacy of the approach.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Webcast Launched of VHP and Interfaith Alliance Chaplains Event—Dispatch March 31, 2011

On February 16, 2011, the Veterans History Project (VHP) and Interfaith Alliance co-presented a panel discussion in the U.S. House of Representative Offices featuring reflections from military chaplains of diverse faiths and branches of service. The program, moderated by Rev. Welton C. Gaddy and hosted by VHP Director Bob Patrick, was part of a series of programs sponsored by VHP to commemorate Four Chaplains Day.

Listen to the March 12th episode of the Interfaith Alliance radio program “State of Belief” to hear Rev. Gaddy’s reflections on the panel and excerpts of chaplains’ stories:
http://stateofbelief.com/show-archive/277-march-12-2011

Watch full video of the February 16th panel discussion: http://www.interfaithalliance.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=424

Each year, Four Chaplains Day commemorates the sinking of the USAT Dorchester during WWII, on which four chaplains of different faiths worked together to save the lives of hundreds of soldiers while selflessly sacrificing their own lives. You may hear the incredible stories of military chaplains from WWII through the current conflicts at www.loc.gov/vets.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP participates in Society for History in the Federal Government Annual Conference—Dispatch March 29, 2011

Veterans History Project (VHP) Research Specialist Tom Wiener will present "Go for Broke: Community Displacement, Oral History, and the Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II" as part of a Panel Discussion entitled "Narrating Change: Oral History and New Perspectives in Federal History" at the Society for History in the Federal Government Annual Conference on Thursday, March 31 at the National Archives II in College Park, MD.

Asian Pacific Americans have made lasting contributions to America’s wartime efforts. To experience eight stories from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq, with special emphasis on the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the “Go for Broke” outfit of Japanese-Americans who fought valiantly in Europe during World War II, please visit http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-asianpacific.html

The Conference's theme, "Federal History in Times of National Crisis and Change," presents a wide-ranging group of panels that draw upon the full sweep of U.S. federal history, from the founding era to the twenty-first century. Participants will interpret this theme broadly to include political, economic, social, or cultural crises or turning points that have shaped the history of the federal government or in which the federal government has played a central role. Learn more about the Society for History in the Federal Government at http://shfg.org/shfg/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

David Meyer O’Shea, Creating Community Through Storytelling—Dispatch March 14, 2011

As a teenager, David Meyer O’Shea felt shy talking to strangers.

His father, Earl D. Meyer, did not share David’s introverted tendencies. The elder Meyer served as a radioman in the Army during WWII and then as a paint store manager. David’s father prodded, “You can’t afford to be shy around strangers, honey. They put their pants on one leg at a time just like you. I learned that in the Army.”

Years after his father’s passing, David has taken that advice to heart. As a way of remembering his father, David records the stories of U.S. military veterans in his neighborhood and community and occasionally during military reunions. A couple times a month, he will volunteer to record stories in a meeting room at the Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library.

David says, “With WWII veterans passing at a rate of 900 a day, I can’t afford to be shy.”

Tonight, in Culver City, California, David will share his story of participation in the Veterans History Project during the Spark Off Rose’s 10th Anniversary Performance—Creating Community Through Storytelling: Family Through the Years. To learn more about the program and how to attend visit: http://www.sparkoffrose.com/

Read a recent news article about David and his work with veterans here: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/06/race-time/

And, if you ever meet David, don’t be surprised if he introduces himself as David, son of Earl D. Meyer, Company H, 379th Regiment, 95th Infantry Division.

The Veterans History Project seeks volunteer interviewers like David to collect and preserve the first-hand recollections of America’s wartime veterans. To learn how to record the story of a veteran in your community, visit: www.loc.gov/vets

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

War Era Posters Promote Libraries—Dispatch March 9, 2011

Here's a cool, new use of military posters, which were originally created to inspire and motivate the nation toward a common purpose. These iconic images, like Rosie the Riveter, highlight the critical role libraries serve as a resource to ensure the public has full access to literature and other information. http://www.flickr.com/photos/philbradley/5398040089/in/set-72157625923493122/

Be inspired again. Record the story of the veteran in your life and send it to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Frank Buckles, Last WWI Veteran to Fall, Remembered—Dispatch March 1, 2011

Frank Buckles, the last surviving veteran of WWI, died in his West Virginia home on Sunday February 27, 2011.

The Washington Post, New York Times, and MSNBC.com, along with other news sources, have reported on his remarkable life, which honors his service and patriotism. Here are a few:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR2011022800165_2.html??hpid=top&sid=ST2011022801892

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/us/01buckles.html?_r=1

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/28/6151083-farewell-to-frank-buckles-last-surviving-us-world-war-i-veteran

Mr. Buckles was one of two million men who served in the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Before his passing, Mr. Buckles gave oral accounts of his military experience in 2001, 2004 and 2008, which have been preserved by the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. His personal account along with the stories of his fellow doughboys who fought in the “Great War”, are shared here: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-wwi.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Frank Buckles, Last Surviving U.S. WWI Veteran Passes Away—Dispatch February 28, 2011

Frank Buckles, the last surviving U.S. WWI veteran, passed away at his West Virginia home on Sunday. In recent years he remarked that he considered it his duty and was proud to represent his fellow soldiers from what was called The Great War.

Viewing Frank’s Veterans History Project interviews is one way to remember him and his service to our nation. His collection includes two interviews, given when he was 100 and 103 years old, as well as original documents and photographs. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.01070/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Commemorates Four Chaplains Day—Dispatch February 10, 2011

This February VHP commemorates Four Chaplains Day with a series of events that recognize the service of military chaplains and the significance of recording and preserving their stories. Hear stories of chaplain veterans at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-chaplains.html.

If you are in the Washington, DC area, please join us for these events. Details below.

What:
"Reflections from the Past:"
A panel discussion featuring four retired military chaplains from various branches of service who will discuss chaplaincy from a historical perspective and share their experiences of service. Light lunch refreshments provided.

When: Tuesday, February 15th
Where: Library of Congress, Room LJ 119, 12noon-1:30pm
Who:
1stLt (Ret.) A. Nathan Abramowitz, US Army
LtCol (Ret.) Linda George, US Army
LCdr (Ret.) Michael McCoy, US Navy
RADM (Ret.) Dr. Ross Trower, former Chief of Chaplains for the Navy

What:
“Current Topics Facing Today's Chaplains”
A panel discussion hosted by VHP in conjunction with the Interfaith Alliance, this panel will explore issues facing chaplaincy today and how chaplains balance ministering to people of all faiths while still remaining true to their own doctrine and beliefs.

When: Wednesday, February 16th
Where: Cannon House Office Building, Room 340, 11:00am-1:00pm
Who:
LTC Carleton Birch, office of the Chief Chaplain US ARMY
Capt John H. Lea, III, Navy/Marine Corps
LCDR Abuhena Saifulislam, Navy/Marine Corps
LtCol Lisa Tice, U.S. Air Force
Capt Jerry Seidler, US Army/Army Reserves

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Share your stories with VHP to be considered for future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Commemorating the Founding of the USO—Dispatch February 4, 2011

The United Services Organization, or USO, was founded on February 4, 1941, by then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its purpose was to let the average American reach out to those in uniform and their families. The USO has been associated with entertaining the troops overseas, but they help provide support at home as well, including holiday parties, send off and welcome home programs, and a food pantry.

In addition, to the stories of American war veterans, the Veterans History Project accepts the stories of those U.S. citizen civilians who were professionally involved in supporting war efforts, such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, and medical volunteers. Fayard Nicholas and his brother Harold were two famous tap-dancing partners of the twentieth century. Together, the Nicholas brothers performed for radio, live, television, and movie audiences, and also performed for various branches of the Armed Forces with the USO and with Bob Hope. Hear Fayard’s story at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/7425.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP and U.S. Navy Memorial Co-Host Four Chaplains Day Commemoration—Dispatch February 2, 2011

What:
On the 68th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the U.S. Army Transport ship Dorchester in World War II, The United States Navy Memorial and the Library of Congress Veterans History Project will co-host a commemorative event to honor “The Four Chaplains,” a remarkable group of military spiritual leaders from different denominations who sacrificed their own lives to save scores of others during this fatal German U-Boat attack. Their story will be retold by keynote speaker and former Navy chaplain Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff. The event is free and open to the public.

Who:
Library of Congress Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center and U.S. Navy Memorial.

Where:
U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

When:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 2, 2010.

Why:
This February VHP commemorates Four Chaplains Day with a series of events that recognize the service of military chaplains and the significance of recording and preserving their stories. Hear stories of Chaplain veterans at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-chaplains.html.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Frank W. Buckles: America’s Sole Remaining WWI Veteran—Dispatch February 1, 2011

February 1 marks the birthday of America’s sole remaining WWI veteran, Frank W. Buckles. Mr. Buckles turns 110 today, and still considers it his duty to represent his fellow soldiers from what was called The Great War.

In 1917, Mr. Buckles enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 16, saying he was 21. He then pestered his officers to be shipped out to France. He drove motorcycles, cars, and ambulances in England and France, and during the Occupation he guarded German prisoners. Buckles eventually went to work for the White Star steamship line and was in Manila on business in December 1941 when the Japanese attacked. He spent over three years as a prisoner at the city’s University of Santo Tomas. His collection includes two interviews, given when he was 100 and 103 years old, as well as original documents and photographs.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Senator Lautenberg Kicks Off Initiative to Interview New Jersey Veterans for VHP—Dispatch January 28, 2011

U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg kicks off a statewide initiative to record the stories of New Jersey’s veterans for the Veterans History Project (VHP) on Monday, January 31. Rutgers Oral History Archive, a VHP Founding Partner, hosts the kick off that includes remarks by Senator Lautenberg, Ray Zawacki, New Jersey Deputy Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs, Richard L. McCormick, President, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Douglas Greenberg, Executive Dean, School of Arts and Sciences. The kick off will be followed by a VHP workshop that will instruct volunteers on how to record stories for VHP using the VHP Field Kit found at www.loc.gov/vets.

When: Monday, January 31, 2011, 11:00 am

Where: Rutgers University Student Center, College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

RSVP: veterans_historyproject@lautenberg.senate.gov or 973-639-8700

Rutgers television network, RU-tv will carry the event live on Channel 20.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Ohio High School Teacher Paul LaRue Receives VFW Teacher Award—Dispatch January 27, 2011

Over the past 25 years, Paul LaRue has brought history to life for thousands of Ohio high school students through participation in assignments such as the Veterans History Project (VHP). VHP offers students exposure to research, service learning and outreach all within the context of historical study. In addition to VHP, LaRue has developed a course called “research history” that exposes students to analysis of primary source material.

This year, LaRue is the Ohio state winner of the Veterans of Foreign War’s 2011 National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, based in part on his work with the Veterans History Project. Since 1999, the VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions effectively.

Educators across the country are invited to participate in collecting stories of veterans from their communities or use veterans’ stories in the classroom. Primary source sets are available at http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/veterans/. Additionally, VHP invites educators to share their innovative practices by emailing their experiences to vohp@loc.gov.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP Participates in 2011 National Mentoring Summit at the Library of Congress—Dispatch January 25, 2011

MENTOR, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Corporation for National and Community Service and Harvard School of Public Health proudly held the 2011 National Mentoring Summit at the Library of Congress. The yearly summit brings together influential stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss innovative ways to increase the graduation rate of high-school students and keep America’s youth out of trouble. First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama and other distinguished speakers highlighted current research, trends and best practices in the mentoring field.

Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick led a morning session highlighting VHP as a uniquely inspiring project that can serve as an innovative enterprise for mentoring relationships to share. It can also provide the entry point for veterans spanning many ages to become involved in local mentoring programs and initiatives.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Operation Desert Storm: 20 Years Later—Dispatch January 24, 2011

On January 16, 1991, the United Nations deadline for Saddam Hussein to begin removing Iraqi forces from Kuwait passed, and over half a million U.S. troops massed in the Arabian desert mobilized for the largest American military operation since Vietnam. This date twenty years ago marked the transition from Operation Desert Shield to Operation Desert Storm.

The Veterans History Project recognizes 20 years since the Persian Gulf War, a conflict in which 2.2 million Americans served. More than 2,000 veterans of the conflict have preserved their stories in the Library of Congress, among them Rhonda Scott Cornum. Cornum served with an Attack Helicopter Battalion as a medical officer, went down in a helicopter crash, and was held prisoner for seven days by the Iraqis. Hear her remarkable story at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.19247/.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

VHP and MLK Day of Service—Dispatch January 13, 2011

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. The Veterans History Project (VHP) wishes to be a part of your “Day On, Not Off”—volunteer to record the wartime story of the veteran in your life and submit it to the Library of Congress, where it will be preserved and made accessible in perpetuity. Refresh your knowledge and share with others how to participate in VHP with the VHP 15-minute video http://www.loc.gov/vets/rams/vhp-fieldkit.ram found at www.loc.gov/vets. Learn more about the National Day of Service at http://mlkday.gov/.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets. Tell your VHP success stories to vohp@loc.gov to be considered for feature in an upcoming RSS. Place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

A Special Message from the Veterans History Project—Dispatch January 10, 2011

Today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, the Veterans History Project joined President Barack Obama, Librarian of Congress Dr. James H. Billington, the Library of Congress staff, and Americans nationwide in observing a moment of silence to honor the innocent victims of the shootings in Tucson, Arizona, including those still fighting for their lives. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

1,111 Stories by 11/11/11: The Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross—Dispatch January 7, 2011

The Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross is one of dozens of Red Cross chapters across the nation now participating in the Veterans History Project (VHP). The chapter is looking for 1,111 veterans in their community to participate in VHP by November 11, 2011.

Chairman of the Service to the Armed Forces Committee volunteer Mike Farrar is leading the chapter’s efforts, with five local US veterans with Red Cross ties joining Farrar in encouraging veterans to participate. Visit the Greater Long Beach Chapter website to learn more about this creative initiative: http://arc-longbeach.axxiomportal.com/

Organizations such as the American Red Cross, as a part of its Services to the Armed Forces, are a great resource for volunteers who wish to interview veterans for the Veterans History Project. Check with your local Red Cross or other organizations to find out if they participate with VHP.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Director Bob Patrick to Speak at American Library Association Midwinter Meeting—Dispatch December 23, 2010

The American Library Association (ALA) is the nation’s preeminent advocate for libraries in America. ALA provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

This winter, VHP Director Bob Patrick will participate in the ALA Midwinter Meeting with periodic presentations in the Library of Congress display tent. The meeting will occur in San Diego, California, from January 7 to January 11, 2011. Director Patrick looks forward to meeting with a portion of VHP’s diverse network of participants and colleagues while at the conference; please let us know if you plan to be in attendance.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Happy Holidays from VHP—Dispatch December 23, 2010

The Veterans History Project wishes everyone Happy Holidays. The holidays are a great opportunity to share in the stories of veterans in your family, and look through historic wartime photos and documents. Sixty-five year old V-mail correspondence, such as those sent from India during World War II by Sgt John A. Enman, Jr., are glimpses into the past experiences of those who spent holidays apart from their loved ones while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. View Mr. Enman's entire collection at the Veterans History Project website: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.00817/.

Submitting stories and documents to the Veterans History Project ensures they will be housed at the Library of Congress forever. Researchers, educators, family members, and future generations will be able to see and hear first-hand accounts of your loved one’s experiences. Visit the VHP website to find out more on how you can participate, view a “how to” video, and download required forms at www.loc.gov/vets.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

U.S. House Resolution: National Veterans History Project Week—Dispatch December 13, 2010

U.S. Representative Ron Kind recently spoke from the House floor, "I strongly support House Resolution 1644 to designate 'National Veterans History Project Week' to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Veterans History Project.

The Veterans History Project is an opportunity to honor the selfless work of our men and women in uniform. By volunteering to record the one-of-a-kind personal recollections of our veterans, we can preserve an important part of American history--what it was like for our veterans to serve our nation during times of conflict and times of peace. Since the creation of the Veterans History Project, volunteers have recorded close to 80,000 veterans' stories, which are now housed in the permanent collection in the Library of Congress."

Listen: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/HouseSession3952/start/30079/stop/30559

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets.

The Importance of Stories, Part III—Dispatch December 9, 2010

The past two days, the Veterans History Project (VHP) has highlighted the accounts of and reactions to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor housed by the Veterans History Project and American Folklife Center. These oral histories and reactions recorded 69 years ago continue to inform our understanding of this momentous event in history.

Raymond Brittain’s Pearl Harbor experience, featured on Tuesday, is chronicled in “Forever a Soldier,” one of two books published by the Veterans History Project and National Geographic. Increasingly, authors and scholars rely upon oral histories from the VHP collection to inform their work:

• “Through Veterans Eyes” by historian Larry Minear (Potomac Books, 2010), http://larryminear.com ;
• “We Were Pirates” by authors Robert Schultz and James Shell (Naval Institute Press, 2009), http://www.robertschultz.us/nonfiction_wwp.htm ;
• “Officer, Nurse, Woman” by Professor Kara Vuic Dixon (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2009); http://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/ecom/MasterServlet/GetItemDetailsHandler?iN=9780801893919&qty=1&source=2&viewMode=3&loggedIN=false&JavaScript=y ;
• “What a Time it Was” by author Andrew “Bud” Fisher (University of Toledo Urban Affairs Center Press), http://utoledopress.com ;
• “Legacies: Stories from the Second World War” by long-time VHP contributor Tom Swope, http://hamakuapublishing.net/LEGACIES--Stories_from_the_Second_World_War.html .

These titles are further ways the stories of America’s veterans are accessible to families and future generations. Pledge to record the story of the veteran in your life so that it will be preserved—just as Raymond Britain’s is.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

The Importance of Stories, Part II—Dispatch December 8, 2010

Yesterday, the Veterans History Project (VHP) highlighted the recollections of Pearl Harbor survivor Raymond Brittain: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.09596/

The day after the attack, December 8, 1941, Alan Lomax, then “assistant in charge” of the Archive of American Folk Song (now the Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center), sent a telegram to fieldworkers in ten different localities across the United States, asking them to collect “man-on-the-street” reactions of ordinary Americans to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war by the United States. A second series of interviews, called “Dear Mr. President,” was recorded in January and February 1942. The resulting collections offer a portrait of everyday life in America as the United States entered World War II: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/afcphhtml/afcphhome.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

The Importance of Stories, Part I—Dispatch December 7, 2010

On the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the Veterans History Project (VHP) reflects on the importance of stories in a three-part RSS feed.

Sixty-nine years ago today, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise military strike against the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. VHP interviewee Raymond Brittain, then a 20-year-old naval cadet, recalls taking a load of garbage onto the deck of the USS Tennessee that morning. “All of a sudden we looked over and we saw smoke…and about that time, an airplane coming right flat across the airstrip. I remember seeing the rising sun underneath the wing tip…‘My God, the Japanese are bombing us.’” Brittain’s full account can be heard here: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.09596/. It is one of more than 9,000 collections digitized on the VHP website.

In ten years, dozens of survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor such as Raymond Brittain have contributed their personal accounts to the Veterans History Project, so that future generations might hear directly from those who were there. The stories Veterans History Project volunteer interviewers record today will serve to inform future generations.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Civilian Service and VHP—Dispatch December 1, 2010

Throughout the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries, civilians have played crucial roles in support of the American military—from Red Cross workers to civilian defense. In December 1941, the Civil Air Patrol was founded, and volunteer pilots aided in coastal defense, surveillance, and sea rescue throughout the war. More than 1,000 women flew military aircraft as Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II, never receiving military status while serving.

The Veterans History Project recognizes the value these stories may have to future generations’ understanding of the realities of war. U.S. citizen civilians professionally involved in supporting war efforts are invited to share their stories with VHP. Download a Field Kit to learn how: http://www.loc.gov/vets/pdf/fieldkit-2008.pdf.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP and the Holiday Season—Dispatch November 24, 2010

This holiday season, communities across the nation will turn attention toward family, friends and creating lifelong memories. The Veterans History Project (VHP) wishes to be part of your special time of year, by offering a means to preserve the memory of a veteran for a loved one, family, or friend. Volunteer to a record a veteran’s story or to collect wartime photos and documents for submission to VHP. They will be housed at the Library of Congress in perpetuity, where future generations will be able to see and hear first-hand accounts of wartime experiences. It also creates a meaningful gift.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

University of Florida Announces Center for VHP in Northern Florida—Dispatch November 12, 2010

The University of Florida Samuel Proctor Oral History Program (SPOHP) announces plans to serve as a research center for VHP in northern Florida. One of the largest oral history archives in the South and one of the top collections in the country, the collaboration strengthens VHP efforts in Florida—home to 1.7 million veterans and the third largest population of women veterans in the U.S. North Florida veterans wishing to be interviewed by SPOHP can contact the program at (352) 392-7168 or learn more at www.history.ufl.edu/oral.

SPOHP Director Dr. Paul Ortiz is available to share with other prospective university contributors SPOHP’s experience implementing VHP. Ortiz, an accomplished oral historian, also served as a paratrooper and radio operator in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Army’s Humanitarian Service Medal for service in the wake of the Nevado del Ruiz volcanic disaster in Tolima, Colombia, in 1985.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Director Bob Patrick to Speak at Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day—Dispatch November 9, 2010

VHP Director Bob Patrick joins Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior Ken Salazar and Peter Holt, Vietnam veteran and CEO of Holt Companies, as distinguished speakers at a Special Veterans Day Observance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The event is open to the public, and may be watched live on USvetsTV. The program begins at 12 noon on Veterans Day.

Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War. Authorized by Congress, the Fund is constructing The Education Center at The Wall, an underground facility near the Memorial that adds faces to all the names on The Wall and tells their stories to future generations. Learn more at http://www.vvmf.org/.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Senate Designates “National Veterans History Project Week”—Dispatch November 8, 2010

U.S. Senate Resolution 670 designates the week beginning November 8, 2010, as “National Veterans History Project Week.” Senator Mike Crapo (ID) introduced the legislation, which passed the Senate with unanimous consent. Among the resolution’s co-sponsors is Senator Richard Lugar (IN), who has contributed several thousand veterans’ oral histories to the Project.

The resolution calls on the people of the United States to interview at least one veteran in their families or communities according to guidelines provided by the Veterans History Project on the occasion of VHP’s tenth anniversary. Pledge to interview a veteran on the VHP homepage: www.loc.gov/vets.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP to Join VA Center for Minority Affairs at Free Health Screenings and Educational Event—Dispatch November 2, 2010

In recognition of Veterans Day, the Washington Redskins, GlaxoSmithKline and other Health & Wellness partner organizations will host a unique health event in the Redskins team locker room at FedEx Field to encourage men and women military veterans to be proactive about their health. The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Minority Veterans and the Veterans History Project will be on-site to share information.

Where: Redskins Locker Room, FedEx Field, Landover, MD

When: Saturday, November 13, 2010, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Who: All Members of the Military, Veterans, and Their Families (Men & Women age 18 and older). Veterans may register by visiting www.donovansplaybook.com or call 866-543-6461 ext. 120. Space is limited.

Part of the VA Office of the Secretary, The Center for Minority Veterans assists eligible veterans in their efforts to receive benefits and services from VA. Learn more at http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Pledge to help VHP preserve tens of thousands more stories. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Today: Veterans History Project 10th Anniversary

Though we have been commemorating it all year, today marks the 10th anniversary of the day that former President William Jefferson Clinton signed the Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress into law ten years ago on October 27, 2000.

VHP’s journey began earlier that year when Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel in the U.S. Senate sponsored the authorizing legislation, Public Law 106-380: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ380.pdf

VHP thanks the sponsors and the 235 Members who co-sponsored. Each of their names is listed here: (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d106:HR05212:@@@P|TOM:/bss/d106query.html)

The legislation found that military service during a time of war is the highest sacrifice a citizen can make for his or her country. To that end, thousands of volunteers as well as hundreds of Congressional offices from across the nation have worked tirelessly over the past decade to capture these priceless stories and preserve them at the Library of Congress. Though over 200 Members were instrumental in creating VHP, many more have actively supported VHP during the ten years that have passed. Here are but a few stalwarts: Senators Richard Lugar, Jon Tester, John Thune, and Representatives Zach Wamp, Allyson Schwartz, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ed Perlmutter, Marcy Kaptur and Roscoe Bartlett.

Mark this anniversary by joining in VHP’s “Pledge to Record the Story of the Veteran in Your Life” at http://www.loc.gov/vets/donate/index_pledge.php. Then, pass this video link onto your family and friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzqhQNYoXhI.

After Shock: Humanities Perspectives on Trauma—Dispatch October 25, 2010

Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick will participate in an innovative conference that explores veterans and others who have experienced trauma. "After Shock: Human Perspectives on Trauma" is presented by the Maine Humanities Council with major support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The conference occurs November 12-13 at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. Learn more at http://www.mainehumanities.org.

Director Patrick will co-lead a workshop titled "Veterans’ Stories: Trauma and the Experience of War" with Dr. Gala True, Associate Investigator, Center for the Health Equity Research and Promotion, Philadelphia VA Medical Center and 1st Lieutenant Samuel J Console, Service Connected Disabled American Veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The workshop will discuss the power of telling and recording stories as a part of post-traumatic stress treatment. The session will occur on Friday, November 12 at 4:00 p.m.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Goes Viral: How You Can Help—Dispatch October 20, 2010

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has issued a public service announcement to ask every American to pledge to preserve the story of an American veteran, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The PSA is now available on the Library of Congress YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/loc

VHP asks for your help. Post a link to the PSA on your website, blog, or social media page. Write to your local television station, and ask them to air this important PSA. Tell them they can do their part to ensure valuable stories are not lost to history forever. Tell them that as a veteran, loved one, or friend of a veteran, you ask they consider airing this important announcement.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

“This Week in the Pentagon” Profiles Japanese American Veterans, VHP—Dispatch October 14, 2010

On October 5th, President Barack Obama awarded the 442nd Regimental Combat Team the Congressional Medal of Honor for its heroic actions during World War II. The all Japanese-American unit is the most highly decorated unit in the history of the U.S. military. The Pentagon Channel’s “This Week in the Pentagon” profiles Mr. Terry Shima, a veteran of the 442nd and a contributor to the Veterans History Project. The Pentagon Channel also highlights the work of VHP.

View the story at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/. Click the “This Week in the Pentagon” program icon; the feature appears about mid-way through the show.

Mr. Shima’s story of fighting prejudice at home and the enemy abroad can be viewed in its entirety at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.56511/. His is one of more than 8,000 incredible stories fully digitized on the VHP website.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Hosts “The Borinqueneers” Panel Discussion—Dispatch October 7, 2010

What:
Panel discussion on the history of Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, nicknamed “The Borinqueneers.” Panelists will discuss the regiment’s contributions, particularly during the Korean War.

Who:
Library of Congress Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center

Where:
Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20540
Room LJ-119
NOTE: Guests will pass through security clearance check points.

When:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Why:
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, a panel of historians will examine the contributions of Puerto Rican soldiers, who have battled valiantly in every major American military conflict from the American Revolution to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The program is co-sponsored by the Library of Congress Hispanic Division and The Hispanic Cultural Society. Hear stories of Hispanic American veterans at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-hispanicveterans.html.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Recognizes American Archives Month—Dispatch October 5, 2010

October is American Archives Month — an opportunity to raise awareness about the value of archives and archivists. The theme for 2010 is “I Found It in the Archives”, celebrating those who have found their records, families, heritage, and treasures in archival collections across the nation. The Smithsonian is among the many institutions across the nation to mark the month-long campaign: http://www.aaa.si.edu/news/archives_month.cfm

In ten years, the Veterans History Project has become the largest oral history archive in the United States. More than 70,000 cherished oral histories, original photographs, heartwarming letters, and poignant diaries, journals, and memoirs from families across the nation have been preserved in the Library of Congress. Pledge to add your family to the nation’s largest archive on the VHP homepage: http://www.loc.gov/vets.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Don Moore: 1,000 Stories Preserved and Counting—Dispatch September 24, 2010

Florida journalist Don Moore devoted ten years to preserving more than one thousand wartime remembrances of veterans from Florida’s West Coast. This past June, Moore began interviewing veterans for the Veterans History Project. Samples of these unique and important stories can be found on Mr. Moore’s website: http://www.DonMooresWarTales.com

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 1.7 million veterans live in the state of Florida, and that more than 1,000 veterans die every day in the United States. Mr. Moore helps ensure the stories of Florida’s veterans are preserved before it is too late.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP and Larry Minear at the 2010 National Book Festival—Dispatch September 23, 2010

The Veterans History Project will be among the attractions at the 2010 National Book Festival on the National Mall on Saturday, September 25th, 2010, from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM. Look for us in the “Library of Congress Pavilion” (near 4th St. and Madison Drive). http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/

Author Larry Minear will talk about his new book “Through Veterans’ Eyes: The Iraq and Afghanistan Experience” at 11:00 AM and again at 2:00 PM.

“Through Veterans’ Eyes” is based on scores of interviews, many of them from the Veterans History Project collection. Read more about the book: http://larryminear.com/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Military Academy Women Authors Discussion and Book Signing—Dispatch September 22, 2010

The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation and the Women’s Research & Education Institute (WREI) will co-host a discussion and book signing with six women authors, five of whom are graduates of the nation’s prestigious military academies.

When: Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Women’s Memorial Gateway, Arlington National Cemetery
Why: Commemoration of the 30th anniversary of women graduating from the Academies, a major milestone in the history of women’s service to our nation.
http://www.womensmemorial.org/News/events.html

Retired Navy Commander, author, and VHP interviewee Darlene M. Iskra will discuss her books and the coming of age of women in the American military. Listen to Mrs. Iskra’s story at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.03482/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets.

Marking World Peace Day—Dispatch September 21, 2010

September 21st marks The International Day of Peace. Each year since 1981, the United Nations uses the World Peace Day to promote ceasefires, the end of conflict, bridge cultural divides, and tolerance.

Raised a devout Seventh Day Adventist, Veterans History Project contributor and World War II veteran Desmond Doss served his country as an unarmed medic, refusing to kill or carry a weapon into combat because of his personal beliefs. On Okinawa in 1945, Doss administered aid and rescued injured soldiers off a 400-foot escarpment while under direct artillery and mortar fire. His actions earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor, the first American soldier to receive the honor as a conscientious objector.

Listen to Mr. Doss’s remarkable story in the VHP collection at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.32978/

A selection of Doss’s documents and photographs are also viewable in the The Public Vaults exhibit of the National Archives, online at http://www.digitalvaults.org (search “Doss”).

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets.

WWII POW Edwin Braswell—Dispatch September 9, 2010

Edwin Braswell was a POW in a Romanian prison camp during WWII. His story of survival is among the over 70,000 individual collections of the Veterans History Project. See it online: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.06490/

Braswell and other POWs gather each year to celebrate life, their country, and their camaraderie. This year they gather in Little Rock, Arkansas, from Thursday, September 16, through Saturday, September 18, 2010.

For more information, contact Ed Braswell, Jr. at 252-567-3652 or ebraswell@kellumlawfirm.com.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

WWII Veteran John Kluge—Dispatch September 9, 2010

WWII veteran John Kluge passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at the age of 95.

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington interviewed Mr. Kluge for the Veterans History Project. Watch the interview at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.01777/

Mr. Kluge left another legacy at the Library, The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/loc/kluge/

Read about Mr. Kluge in Businessweek: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-08/john-kluge-billionaire-in-broadcasting-dies-at-95.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

American Red Cross Records Texas Veterans—Dispatch September 8, 2010

The Heart of Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross is one of several Red Cross chapters across Texas that participates in the Veterans History Project, ensuring the stories of Texas’s veterans are preserved in the Library of Congress for future generations.

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/Brazos-Past-Local-Red-Cross-office-collecting-veterans-stories-photos.html

Organizations such as the American Red Cross, as a part of its Services to the Armed Forces, are a great resource for volunteers who wish to interview veterans for the Veterans History Project. Check with your local Red Cross or other organizations to find out if they participate with VHP.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

The WASP: First in Flight—Dispatch September 3, 2010

The story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) is a chapter from World War II nearly forgotten for over 30 years. In 1977, after Air Force women began training for the first time to fly planes, Congress passed legislation to belatedly give the true pioneers, the WASP, veteran status. And in 2009, surviving WASP veterans were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

The Veterans History Project recognizes these extraordinary women with "The WASP: First in Flight." Visit all nine candid, first-person accounts from the VHP collection that tell of the remarkable service of these extraordinary women: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-wasp.html

The WASP: First in Flight news release: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2010/10-190.html

For more information on the WASP, visit http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/wasp/index.htm

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VJ Day Treaty—Dispatch September 2, 2010

The official surrender of Japan was September 2, 1945.

Robert G. Mackey was a Disbursing Officer aboard the USS Missouri and was present for the signing of the peace treaty with Japan on the deck of his ship. He also came up with the right furniture for the ceremony, deftly camouflaging a general mess table big enough to accommodate all the dignitaries and various papers. Mackey's talent for business affairs helped put him in a position to choose among a battleship, destroyer, or carrier for his duty assignment. When he chose the first, the Missouri gave him a front-row seat for many other important events in the Pacific Theater. Listen to his story here: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.10920/

Visit other VHP stories about VJ Day here: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/vj-day.html

VHP Director Bob Patrick is marking the day by attending a VJ Day ceremony at the National World War II Memorial: http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=home.asp

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Faith and Foxholes Webcast Launched—Dispatch August 26, 2010

In May 2010, the Hebraic Section, African and Middle Eastern Division, and the Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress presented a talk by Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff on his experiences as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. The talk was titled “Faith and Foxholes: Religion in the Military” and is presently available on the Library’s webcast page.

http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4915

Rabbi Resnicoff is a decorated retired military officer and chaplain and a consultant on leadership, values, and interreligious affairs to military and civilian leaders. Rabbi Resnicoff told his story to the Veterans History Project. He subsequently began to conduct interviews on the Project’s behalf.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Integration of Armed Services through the Asian Pacific American Experience Webcast Launched–Dispatch August 18, 2010

Three Asian-Pacific American veterans discussed their service experiences and explored their roles as Asian Americans in the military beginning with the Korean War, a turning point in military policy and civil rights history, during which service units were fully integrated, through the present conflicts.

To hear their experience of service visit: http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4930

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Society of American Archivists Conference—Dispatch August 13, 2010

The Veterans History Project welcomes the nation's archivists to Washington for the annual Society of American Archivists (SAA) conference.

In ten years, the Veterans History Project has grown to be the largest oral history archive in the United States. The Summer 2010 issue of the SAA Oral History Section newsletter "Dialogue" features an article on VHP. The issue focuses on Human Rights issues in oral history collections, and events in conjunction with the SAA conference.

http://www2.archivists.org/groups/oral-history-section/summer-2010

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America's war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Operation Dragoon: The Forgotten D-Day—Dispatch August 9, 2010

Operation Dragoon is sometimes called the “Forgotten D-Day.”

A ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheatre at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, will commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who participated in the Allied landings in Southern France on August 15, 1944. http://www.examiner.com/x-31731-Military-Travel-Examiner~y2010m7d26-Operation-Dragoon

The Veterans History Project collection includes the stories of Operation Dragoon veterans. One is William Charles Schwartz: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.64368/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Book Talk: We Were Pirates—Dispatch August 4, 2010

During the course of WWII, submariner Robert Hunt served in the Pacific, and he managed to survive twelve consecutive war patrols on the submarine USS Tambor. He’ll share his extraordinary experiences as a torpedoman aboard the USS Tambor during a lecture at the Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/loc/events/index.php?mode=detail&date=1281412800

If you are in the Washington DC Metropolitan area on Tuesday, August 10th, please join us at noon in the Pickford Theater in the Madison Building at the Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/visit/directions.html

You may read more about Hunt’s story in "We Were Pirates" by authors Robert Schultz and James Shell. Both authors will be in attendance.

In addition, visit “Submarines: The Silent Service,” an online collection of VHP stories that chronicle military experience on submarines: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-submarines.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Honoring Disabled Veterans—Dispatch July 29, 2010

This week the United States marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Veterans History Project salutes the brave men and women who have served our country and for whom the wounds of war have never fully healed. To hear the heroic stories of disabled veterans from the Veterans History Project, visit: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-disabledvets.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Director Bob Patrick Salutes Indiana Veterans--Dispatch July 22, 2010

Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick will be the featured speaker during the Opening Day Grandstand event of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair on Friday, July 23rd, in Goshen, Indiana. Director Patrick speaks as a special salute to WWII veterans, culminating a year-long initiative titled "2010–Year of the WWII Veteran in Elkhart County." Read more here: http://www.etruth.com/Know/News/Story.aspx?ID=518458

In May, World War II Veterans from Elkhart visited the Library of Congress to submit stories of WWII veterans recorded for The Elkhart County Oral History Project. Elkhart County plans to interview each of its WWII veterans and submit their stories to the Library of Congress as part of Goshen’s Celebrate America campaign that includes the Year of the WWII veteran. Senator Richard Lugar, Representative Joe Donnelly, and Dr. James H. Billington welcomed the Elkhart veterans and honored their service: http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/93022249.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Vernon Baker passes, but his legacy lives on—Dispatch July 16, 2010

Earlier this week, Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Vernon Baker passed away at the age of 90. Lt. Baker served in the 92nd Infantry Division, one of the segregated African American Army units that fought during WWII; the 92nd served with distinction in Italy. Members of this unit were referred to as Buffalo Soldiers.

Between August 1944 and May 1945, the 92nd Division suffered 3,200 casualties. Like other minorities who served during WWII, the Buffalo Soldiers simultaneously fought two wars: one against the Nazis, and the second against racial discrimination. Sadly, the surviving soldiers found their contributions were overlooked upon their return to the United States. Mr. Baker was awarded the Medal of Honor 52 years after his actions of bravery and courage. More about his story can be read here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/15/us/15baker.html?pagewanted=1&ref=us

The Veterans History Project is proud to honor Mr. Baker for his service along with his fellow Buffalo Soldiers.

To hear Buffalo Soldiers’ stories from the Veterans History Project, visit: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-buffalosoldiers.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

U.S. Representative Broun and VHP—Dispatch July 13, 2010

Rep. Broun of Georgia’s tenth district will talk about a variety of topics when he meets with area residents, including recording personal stories of U.S. veterans.

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project," Rep. Broun said. "I encourage Georgia's men and women who have served in the Armed Forces to stop by Congress on the Square and share their oral histories with members of my staff. We will then submit these stories to the Library of Congress for them to be preserved for future generations." Read more at: http://mirror.augusta.com/stories/2010/07/08/new_582218.shtml.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Volunteer David Meyer—Dispatch July 6, 2010

David Meyer is a VHP volunteer contributor who introduces himself to veterans like this: "I'm David Meyer, son of Earl D. Meyer, Company H, 379th Regiment, 95th Infantry Division."

David’s father was an artillery radioman who enlisted at the age of 29 to serve during the 1944 Battle of Metz, a bloody, weeks-long fight in France, with heavy casualties on both sides. After Earl Meyer died in 2003, David drew comfort from a recording he had made of his father telling war stories, and he decided to honor his father by recording memories for the families of other military veterans. Read about him in a recent Los Angeles Times story: http://mobile.latimes.com/inf/infomo?view=page7&feed:a=latimes_1min&feed:c=localnews&feed:i=54742143&nopaging=1

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Teach Patriotism to a Child—Dispatch July 4, 2010

Veterans History Project (VHP) Director Bob Patrick, filmmaker Ken Burns, U.S. Supreme Court Clerk William K. Suter, and other notable Americans were asked how to teach a child about patriotism. Read what they said: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/family/sc-fam-0615-patriotism-20100615,0,2101732.story

Check out the Library of Congress Primary Source Sets for classroom use: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/veterans/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of America’s war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Interviewing Kentucky’s Veterans—Dispatch June 29, 2010

Celebrate the 234th anniversary of our nation's independence with the Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC), which is administered by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS).

Learn how to capture the story of a veteran in your life as part of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center's Veterans History Project. Interviews recorded for this project will be available for generations to come at the Library of Congress and KHS.

Visit http://history.ky.gov/sub.php?pageid=78&sectionid=16 for more information about "Kentucky Military Treasures."
The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Volunteer Interviewer Publishes Collected Stories—Dispatch June 23, 2010

VHP volunteer interviewer Tom Swope’s new book chronicles the experiences of WWII veterans interviewed for the Veterans History Project. "LEGACIES: Stories from the Second World War," takes its content and name from Swope's weekly radio show, which features excerpts from the oral histories he collects. To date Swope has contributed over 400 interviews to the Library of Congress.

Swope's weekly radio show airs Sunday mornings on WELW-AM 1330 in Eastlake, Ohio. Learn more about the show and upcoming book at: http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/06/20/life/nh2644386.txt

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Serving in Silence—Dispatch June 10, 2010

The Library of Congress marks Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month by highlighting numerous collections of books, posters, sound recordings, manuscripts and other material produced by, about, and for the LGBT community. Visit: http://www.loc.gov/lgbt/

“Serving in Silence” offers six stories from the Veterans History Project collection of men and women who served their country while balancing the need to keep their private lives private. Listen to their stories here: http://www.loc.gov/lgbt/resources.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Radio, blog, and lecture about American Jewish Soldiers during WWII—Dispatch June 9, 2010

VHP Liaison Specialist Jason Steinhauer speaks about the experiences of Jewish soldiers during World War II on "State of Belief," a radio production of the Interfaith Alliance Foundation. Listen here: http://stateofbelief.com/show-archive/238-may-29-30-2010

A “State of Belief” blog post elaborates on the radio show and a recent lecture at the Library of Congress, “American Jewish Soldiers in World War II.”

Blog: http://stateofbelief.com/blog/?p=1057

Lecture: http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4889

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

D-Day—Dispatch June 7, 2010

On June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.”

A story from the Chicago Tribune marks this important date in our nation’s history: http://www.military.com/news/article/time-cant-erase-dday-memories.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS

Tracy Sugarman shares an experience from his trip back to Normandy. Sugarman’s VHP story is online at: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.05440/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP and Eagle Scouts—Dispatch June 3, 2010

The Veterans History Project provides an ideal opportunity for a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Service Project.

Marking its tenth anniversary in 2010, VHP has been a popular program for Eagle Scout candidates from the beginning. Matthew Peterman selected VHP as his Eagle Scout project, and VHP highlighted his experience in 2004: http://www.loc.gov/vets/partners/volspot-july04.html

Eagle Scout candidates are encouraged to incorporate VHP’s “Eagle Scout Participation” guidelines into project plans: http://www.loc.gov/vets/EagleScout.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Garrison Keillor, A Prairie Home Companion, and VHP—Dispatch June 2, 2010

Garrison Keillor said the Veterans History Project (www.loc.gov/vets) is “amazing, amazing” and “worth finding” during the live Memorial Day broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion.

To hear the segment, visit: http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/programs/2010/05/29/ (Look under “Segment Two.”)

Mr. Keillor mentions the VHP collections of:

William Jennings Arnett—Fought in the Battle of the Bulge: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.00998/

Catherine Neville—Joined the Army Nurse Corps and took her oath at a drug store soda fountain: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.00113/

James Walsh—Joined to emulate his brother: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.01939/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

“The Korean War: Not Forgotten”—Dispatch June 1, 2010

The Veterans History Project marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War with "The Korean War: Not Forgotten," a collection of 26 candid, first-person accounts of Korean War veterans from the VHP collection.

Visit "The Korean War: Not Forgotten" here: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-korea.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Senator Jon Tester Marks Memorial Day—Dispatch May 31, 2010

U.S. Senator Jon Tester is launching an effort to help veterans preserve firsthand stories of their service for future generations.

Senator Tester and Montana Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger recorded a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to spread the word about the Veterans History Project. The 30-second PSA is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-DIVYgntRY

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

U.S. Representative Sam Johnson: Preserving the Legacy of Freedom—Dispatch May 30, 2010

U.S. Representative Sam Johnson served 29 years in the Air Force and was a prisoner of war for nearly seven years during the Vietnam War. Rep. Johnson shared his story with the Veterans History Project in 2002.

Visit his Web site to read his thoughts on preserving the legacy of freedom for generations to come: http://www.samjohnson.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=187187

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

U.S. Representative Ron Kind: Keeping our Promise to our Troops and Veterans—Dispatch May 29, 2010

Read U.S. Representative Ron Kind’s thoughts on keeping promises to troops and veterans this Memorial Day: http://www.tomahjournal.com/articles/2010/05/27/opinion/02kindcolumn.txt

Rep. Kind authored legislation to create the Veterans History Project in 2000.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Memorial Day Broadcast: Major Kurt Chew-Een Lee, Korean War Veteran—Dispatch May 28, 2010

Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2010, at 8:00 PM, the Smithsonian Channel will premiere, “Uncommon Courage: Breakout at Chosin”. The hour-long film recounts Major Lee’s nighttime mission of leading 500 Marines through a blizzard and over mountainous terrain to save 8,000 more Marines from certain capture and death during the Korean War in 1950.

On May 25th, Major Lee participated in a VHP panel discussion to mark the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War and to explore the service experiences of Asian-Pacific American veterans. Major Lee is scheduled to record his story for VHP in the near future.

Read more about VHP’s May 25th panel discussion here: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2010/10-117.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

100 Faces Featured on NPR Weekend Edition—Dispatch May 27, 2010

Sunday Morning, May 30th, NPR Weekend Edition will air a news segment about Matt Mitchell’s 100 Faces of War Experience. 100 Faces is a project that uses portraits and short narrative to remember and examine the American experience of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The show will air on Weekend Edition, Sunday with Liane Hansen. Click here to search for time and station information in your area: http://www.npr.org/templates/stations/schedule/index.php?prgId=10

Individuals may learn more about volunteering with 100 Faces and the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress by visiting: http://www.100facesofwarexperience.org/apply/.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Hosts Asian-Pacific American Panel Discussion—Dispatch May 19, 2010

What:
Panel Discussion on the Integration of the U.S. Armed Forces through the Service of Asian Pacific American Veterans: From the Korean War through Current Conflicts

Who:
Library of Congress Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center

Where:
Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20540
Whittall Pavilion
NOTE: Guests will pass through security clearance check points.

When:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Why:
Asian-Pacific American veterans will discuss their service experiences and explore their roles as Asian Americans in the military beginning with the Korean War, a turning point in military policy and civil rights history, during which service units were fully integrated, through the present conflicts.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

A Tip from VHP: A Cover Letter Expedites the VHP Process—Dispatch May 11, 2010

Interviews contributed to the Veterans History Project (VHP) are placed in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress—a several step, several month process.

The VHP REQUIRED FORMS capture information that VHP uses to place interviews in the Library’s collection, but there is one easy, straightforward measure you can take to expedite the process, make certain that VHP has all the required information, and ensure that you or your organization is properly attributed.

Include a cover letter with the following information:

• Name of Interviewer for each interview
• Name of Contributor (person who sends interview to VHP)
• Name of Contributor Affiliation/Organization
• Contact information for the person who can answer questions regarding the interview(s) sent to VHP

This information facilitates the process, ensures that VHP includes all pertinent information on the biographical Web page for each veteran’s interview, and helps VHP identify points-of-contact should any questions arise.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Faith and Foxholes: Religion in the Military—Dispatch May 5, 2010

The Library of Congress Hebraic Section, African and Middle Eastern Division, and Veterans History Project present “Faith and Foxholes: Religion in the Military,” a talk by Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff.

Rabbi Resnicoff is a decorated retired military officer and chaplain and a consultant on leadership, values, and interreligious affairs to military and civilian leaders.

When: Thursday, May 6, 2010, from 12:00-1:00 pm

Where: Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, African and Middle Eastern Division Reading Room, LJ 220: http://www.loc.gov/loc/events/rooms/2-jeffsn.jpg

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Indiana Members of Congress and Veterans Visit VHP—Dispatch May 3, 2010

World War II Veterans from Indiana’s Elkhart County will visit the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) on Monday, May 3rd, 2010, to kick off an initiative to record their stories.

Senator Richard Lugar, Representative Joe Donnelly, Representative Mark Souder and Dr. James Billington, The Librarian of Congress, are all contributing to make this a memorable occasion for the Elkhart veterans and to honor their service.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP and Hebrew Language Table Mark Jewish Heritage Month—Dispatch April 22, 2010

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) and Hebrew Language Table will co-sponsor a lecture and discussion on the contributions, impact, and legacy of American Jewish service during World War II on May 3, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. in the West Dining Room of the Library’s James Madison Building as part of the Library’s plans to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month.

Visit the news release for more information: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2010/10-086.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Contributor Among OHMAR Presenters—Dispatch April 21, 2010

Brien Williams is an oral historian and video producer who interviewed several Members of the U.S. Congress for the Veterans History Project. He will lead "A Picture and a Thousand Words: Adding Video to an Oral History Program," a half-day program during the Oral History in the Mid-Atlantic Region Conference on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010.

Mr. Williams interviewed U.S. Representative John Kline in 2007. Visit http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.43067/ to see that interview, which is among the stories in VHP’s online Experiencing War feature “Helicopters: The Multi-Mission Aircraft.”

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Senators Crapo and Risch Congratulate Warhawk Air Museum—Dispatch April 13, 2010

Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch congratulate the Warhawk Air Museum for its longtime participation in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) and for recording its 500th interview, which was presented to VHP by the Warhawk Air Museum’s Sue Paul and Barry Hill on March 26th, 2010. The Senators from Idaho urge all Idahoans to help record the wartime and service histories of our veterans.
Senators Crapo, Risch, Blanche Lincoln, Richard Lugar, Jay Rockefeller, and Jeanne Shaheen introduced S. Res. 340, which passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent and recognizes “National Veterans Awareness Week,” supports the designation of “National Veterans History Project Week,” and calls on the people of the United States to interview at least on veteran in their families and communities according to the guidelines of the Veterans History Project. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:sr340ats.txt.pdf
The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Veterans’ Stories in the Classroom—Dispatch March 30, 2010

Charles Harrell began interviewing veterans for the Veterans History Project in 2004. To date, he’s recorded 150 oral histories and used them to bring history to life for his students.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

WACs: Selected Collections from VHP—Dispatch March 29, 2010

To mark Women’s History Month, VHP Reference Specialist Alexa Potter will give an illustrated account of selected collections of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) from the Veterans History Project.

The first women other than nurses to serve within the ranks of the United States Army, WACs played a vital role in WWII and helped to shatter stereotypes of what women could accomplish in the workplace. From the cold and mud of Fort Des Moines, Iowa to the jungles of New Guinea, WACs served the Army and their country in a variety of ways.

Noon on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, in the Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the Library’s James Madison Building. The program is free and open to the public.

Ongoing:

“Women at War: Stories from the Veterans History Project is a collection of 12 stories of women veterans. Watch them online now: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-womenatwar.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Director to Speak During National Air and Space Museum Conference—Dispatch March 19, 2010

Representatives of the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampo, Idaho will deliver hand off their 500th interview to the Veterans History Project on Friday, March 26th.

Then, on Sunday, March 28th, the Warhawk Air Museum’s Barry Hill will chair “Collecting and Preserving Veterans' Stories: Participating in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project,” an information session during the National Air and Space Museum’s “Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference.”

Speakers:
- Karen Hinton, Director of Development, Planes of Fame Air Museum
- Robert Patrick, Veterans History Project, Library of Congress American Folklife Center
- Sue Paul, Director, Warhawk Air Museum

Chair:
- Barry Hill, Veteran History Project Volunteer Director, Warhawk Air Museum

This session will begin with an overview of the Project by the Director Robert Patrick. Next, the Warhawk Air Museum will present the work involved in creating their successful oral history program, which has contributed 500 personal histories to the Veterans History Project. The Planes of Fame Air Museum will detail their beginning efforts to contribute to the Project. The discussion will help participants decide if this is a program right for their museum.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

What a Time it Was—Dispatch March 18, 2010

How did Andrew “Bud” Fisher, a VHP volunteer contributor, record over 500 individual stories for the VHP collection?

It all started in when Timothy Lloyd, a professor at Ohio State University and executive director of the American Folklore Society, became the Ohio VHP coordinator. He contacted University of Toledo professor Tom Barden, who became the northwest regional coordinator for Northwest Ohio.

Dr. Barden arranged for the Ward M. Canaday Center of Special Collections in the University of Toledo’s Carlson Library to oversee regional efforts. A “call for volunteers” from Dr. Barden caught the notice of Bud Fisher, and that is how Mr. Fisher began the process of recording over 500 stories. Original interview recordings of veterans were sent to the Library of Congress, and copies of the interviews were archived locally and given to veterans.

The University of Toledo Urban Affairs Center Press recently published “What a Time it Was: Interviews with Northwest Ohio Veterans of World War II,” which features a selection of the over 500 oral history interviews Mr. Fisher recorded.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

100 Faces of War Experience—Dispatch March 12, 2010

The first installment of Matthew Mitchell's “100 Faces of War Experience” will be on display in the Rayburn Foyer of the Capitol Hill Complex for two days: March 15th and 16th between the hours of 10am-5pm.

The exhibit explores the human experience of going from America into the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through portraits and words of Americans who served in these conflicts. http://www.100facesofwarexperience.org/exhibition_schedule/
Several of the honorary co-chairs for the exhibition are actively participating in VHP programs:
Sen. John Kerry
Rep. John Olver
Rep. Vic Snyder
Rep. Patrick Murphy
Rep. Tim Walz
Rep. Todd Russell Platts
Rep. Louise M. Slaughter
Rep. Chet Edwards
Rep. Zach Wamp
Rep. Christopher P. Carney

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

WWII WASPS Finally Honored—Dispatch March 10, 2010

A Los Angeles Times article announces that the U.S. Congress will bestow Congressional Gold Medals to all WASPS. http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-wasps8-2010mar08,0,3738029.story

In honor of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and Women’s History Month, the Veterans History Project (VHP) recommends the story of Phyllis Tobias Felker. Listen to her story and other WASPS within the VHP collection now at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.30069/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

March is Women’s History Month—Dispatch March 8, 2010

The Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration mark Women’s History Month with a common theme: Writing Women Back into History

This year’s theme recognizes the diverse accomplishments of women throughout history. Visit http://womenshistorymonth.gov/ to learn more.

Other Women’s History Month items of note:

At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History:
From 12:15-12:45 PM on Thursday, March 11, 2010, the National Museum of American History will present a program, “Khaki or Blue and Lipstick too.” During World War II, women joined the armed forces and served in many positions. Curator Margaret Vining discusses World War II service women and the challenges of materially documenting women’s roles in military history.
http://americanhistory.si.edu/events/index.cfm#/?i=2

At the Library of Congress:
At noon on Tuesday, March 30, VHP will present a program “Women at War: The Women’s Army Corps During WWII” in the Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the Library’s James Madison Building. The program is free and open to the public.

Ongoing:
“Women at War: Stories from the Veterans History Project is a collection of 12 stories of women veterans. Watch them online now: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-womenatwar.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Program Marks Women's History Month--Dispatch March 5, 2010

The Veterans History Project presents “Women at War: The Women’s Army Corps During WWII” at noon on Tuesday, March 30, in the Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the Library’s James Madison Building. If you are in the Washington Metropolitan area, please join us. The program is free and open to the public.

Can’t join us in person? “Women at War: Stories from the Veterans History Project" is a collection of 12 stories of women veterans. Watch them online now: http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-womenatwar.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Diversity Among the Veteran Population—Dispatch March 4, 2010

America’s foundation is built on multiculturalism, so it’s surprising to learn that words like “Hispanic” and “Latino” were not frequently used as recently as during the Vietnam War, not to mention back through WWII.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) wants to ensure its growing collection of over 68,000 individual stories accurately reflects the diversity of the veterans who valiantly served.

Volunteers who record stories on behalf of VHP can follow several straightforward steps to help VHP meet that goal.

1) Ask veterans to talk about their nationality, ethnicity, and cultural background during their interview.
2) Encourage veterans to self identify their race and ethnicity on the Biographical Data Form. Recording this information is “optional.”
3) List references to a veteran’s ethnic and cultural background on the VHP Biographical Data Form (http://www.loc.gov/vets/pdf/biodata-fieldkit-2007.pdf) under “Additional Biographical Information.”

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

AFC and VHP Webcasts Available Online—Dispatch March 2, 2010

The American Folklife Center (AFC) announces that 125 AFC and Veterans History Project webcasts are available and easily accessible online! Go to http://www.loc.gov/folklife/events/pasteventsmenu.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Ohio-Based VHP Contributors in the News—Dispatch March 1, 2010

For years Tom Swope of Mentor, Ohio has recorded interviews of American veterans according to the guidelines in the Veterans History Project’s online Field Kit (a “how-to” record a story booklet located at http://www.loc.gov/vets/kitmenu.html).

Hospice of the Western Reserve of Cleveland, Ohio records stories of the veterans in their care as well.

Read about them and how they participate in the Veterans History Project: http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/02/12/life/nh2019851.txt

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Major General Jeanne Holm, USAF (Ret.)—Dispatch February 24, 2010

Major General Jeanne Holm, USAF (Ret.) passed away on Monday, February 15, 2010.

Major General Holm began her career in 1942 in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and was a company commander in the Women’s Army Corps. Her reentry to military service in 1948 led to a distinguished career in the Air Force including appointment as the Director of Women in the Air Force. In 1971, she became the first woman promoted to general officer in the Air Force and, in 1973, the first woman promoted to two-star rank in the armed forces.

Her story is among the over 68,000 individual collections of the Veterans History Project. Watch it now: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.04293/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Congressman John Murtha —Dispatch February 12, 2010

Congressman John Murtha passed away on Monday, February 8, 2010.

A former Marine, he became the first Vietnam War combat Veteran elected to the U.S. Congress. He shared an oral history of his military experience with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Lee Archer—Dispatch February 5, 2010

As the nation marks African American History Month, it says goodbye to a Tuskegee Airman.

Mr. Archer passed away on January 27th, and he will be missed.

Remember him by listening to his interview, which is housed in the Veterans History Project. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.44004/

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Submariners: The Silent Service—Dispatch February 4, 2010

Working and living in a confined space beneath the ocean (and sometimes the Arctic polar cap) demands a special kind of person. The Navy's submariners are all volunteers, carefully tested and screened and able to perform any job aboard, including steering the massive boat.

During World War II, U.S. submarines sank more Japanese ships than did U.S. surface vessels and planes, but at a high cost: a twenty percent casualty rate. Nuclear submarines prowled the oceans during the Cold War, gathering intelligence or poised to launch a missile on command.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

February is African American History Month—Dispatch February 2, 2010

Happy Birthday to Frank Buckles—Dispatch February 1, 2010

February 1st is the 109th birthday of Frank Buckles, the sole surviving American WWI veteran.

Listen to Mr. Buckles’ VHP interview online at www.loc.gov/vets.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Marks Ten Years—Dispatch January 29, 2010

The Veterans History Project has planned national and local events, activities and initiatives during 2010 to mark its 10th anniversary. Stay tuned to the VHP RSS, visit the VHP Web site often, and become a fan of the American Folklife Center Facebook page to learn more about this historic year and how you can be a part of it.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

American Folklife Center RSS—Dispatch January 25, 2010

If you enjoy receiving Veterans History Project news, you might also be interested in periodic updates from the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress. Subscribe to the AFC RSS feed today: http://www.loc.gov/folklife/rss.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

AFC is on Facebook, Become a Fan—Dispatch January 22, 2010

The American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress is on Facebook.

The Veterans History Project will have a special section on the AFC Facebook page, so please become a fan to receive VHP information and post comments.

AFC will share classic folk, blues, and world music; post photos and video webcasts from AFC collections; and issue updates about AFC concerts and other events.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/americanfolklifecenter and click on "Become a Fan" today.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

The Healing Power of Stories—Dispatch January 21, 2010

The Center for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania presents “Wounded Warriors and the Healing Power of Stories” on January 25th at 12:00 PM—Golkin Room, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street. RSVP: cphi@pobox.upenn.edu

Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick and Gala True, a medical anthropologist from the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, will discuss how public health researchers, health care providers, historians, and fellow veterans and their families use the personal oral histories of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The presentation will highlight some of the projects and research that harness veterans’ stories to improve care of veterans and ensure they do not feel alone in their experiences. Veterans’ stories will be shared through multi-media presentation of video, still photographs, and excerpts from Life Story interviews.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

James Miho Collections—Dispatch January 8, 2010

James Miho is a Japanese-American veteran and renowned graphic designer, and two Library of Congress collections highlight his career.

Collection One.
Miho served the U.S. in the Army during the Korean War, and he recorded his oral history for the Veterans History Project. Watch the video online: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.66630/

Collection Two.
Through Noon on Tuesday, January 12th, the Library of Congress Asian Division presents a preview of Miho’s graphic design work, which includes hand-written conceptual diaries that contain country postage stamps, news clippings, and wine labels with hand-drawn maps and sketches. Contact the Asian Division Reading room for details: http://www.loc.gov/rr/asian/

Today, still strong and active at the age of 80, Miho’s distinguished career as a graphic designer of books is marked by his work with Champion Paper Company to promote the company's paper line through the publication of the IMAGINATION SERIES.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Contributors—Dispatch January 7, 2010

Representative Ron Kind and Senator Richard Lugar have a message for the organizations that contribute interviews of veterans to the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Spirit of Service—Dispatch January 6, 2010

The Spirit of Service, published by Harper One (www.spiritofservice365.com), offers 365 activities to help Americans serve others by giving of their resources such as energy, focus, influence, compassion, money, and support.

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) is featured as the first “energy” activity in this exciting new book. Visit www.loc.gov/vets to learn how you can participate by interviewing a veteran. VHP’s free and easy-to-use Field Kit and Companion Video are available online and provide straightforward guidelines to help volunteers conduct an interview. The whole process only takes a couple of hours.

Find your unique way to serve others. Open yourself to possibilities. Choose to reach out to a Veteran who served our nation.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Tip on How to Expedite the VHP Process—Dispatch December 18, 2009

Interviews of wartime veterans that meet VHP requirements are fully processed into the Veterans History Project collection from four to six months after VHP receives them.

Go to www.loc.gov/vets (Click on “How to Participate”) and follow the “Five Easy Steps” to record interviews of U.S. wartime veterans using VHP guidelines and to ensure the interviews you contribute are in accord with VHP’s congressional mandate.

These straightforward steps guarantee the VHP staff fully process the collections within the stated timeframe without interruption or delay.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

University Uses VHP and YouTube to Bridge Generational Gap—Dispatch December 11, 2009

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) faculty and students produced a YouTube video to introduce their ongoing VHP program and to highlight some of the interviews they have collected of those who served in the U.S. armed forces.

The CCSU program is an example of how colleges, universities, technical schools, and community colleges can use the Veterans History Project as a service learning program to bridge generational gaps and create community engagement programs.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

VHP Brings Families Together—Dispatch December 9, 2009

Generations of family and friends gather to spend time with one another during December. It’s an ideal opportunity to record the interview of the veterans in your life, and it’s a great way to help generations of families find common ground and interact. Make it a family activity. . .

. . . a meaningful gift, which is not expensive.

VHP’s straightforward instructional materials are available online at www.loc.gov/vets (Click on “How to Participate”) and are designed to guide the process of recording an interview according to VHP guidelines:
• VHP Field Kit (a “how-to” record a story booklet)
• VHP Field Kit Companion Video

NOTE: RealPlayer is required to play the VHP Field Kit Companion Video. Free RealPlayer software download available at http://www.real.com/realplayer.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

A Pearl Harbor Story—Dispatch December 7, 2009

Wallace Amioka was born in Hawaii to Japanese parents, and he went to work for Shell Oil in 1931, right out of high school. From his home on December 7, 1941, he could see the smoke rising from nearby Pearl Harbor. For the next several days, rather than reporting to his job, he worked as a Civil Defense volunteer to help those wounded in the attack. He joined the U.S. Army in January 1944, and he headed off to snowy Minnesota for intelligence training. Amioka arrived in the Pacific Theater as the campaign to take Okinawa neared an end. He stayed on during the first years of the occupation of Japan, using his skills to bridge the language gap.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Wreath Laying on U.S. Capitol Grounds—Dispatch December 4, 2009

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Honor Guard will assemble to help place a holiday remembrance wreath at the U.S. Capitol near the West Front Fountain Plaza Level at 11:30 AM EST on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. During the day, the honor guard—as is military tradition—will stand watch over the wreath, which honors the 25 million men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces and guarded and preserved America’s freedom throughout history.

The Capitol wreath-laying officially kicks off a number of Wreaths Across America observances in the nation’s capital in December, including a similar ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, December 12th. Over 150,000 donated holiday wreaths from the State of Maine will be placed in over 400 state and national veterans cemeteries from Maine to Alaska and Hawaii, at several locations in Iraq, and at 24 national cemeteries on foreign soil. Wreaths have been sponsored by individuals, businesses, and community groups nationwide. Over 15,000 wreaths will be placed by volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Library of Congress' Charles Stanhope is a longtime contributor to and supporter of the Veterans History Project, and he also serves as president of the Maine State Society of Washington, DC Foundation. Also in attendance: President of the National Funeral Directors Association William C. Wappner, Maine’s congressional delegation and staff members, and CAP cadets ranging in age from 12 to 19.

For more information, contact Wayne G. Hanson; H: 703-971-4148; C: 703-517-9047; driftabit@aol.com

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Tips on How to Access the VHP Collections—Dispatch December 3, 2009

VHP requires advance notice from the general public and researchers who plan to visit the Library of Congress to access any of the over 67,000 stories in the VHP Collections.

Advance notice is necessary to ensure that we have time to follow important protocols and procedures to produce listening and viewing copies of the original collections.

This process ensures:
1) Original collections receive proper handling while facsimiles are made.
2) The materials you wish to view are available upon your arrival at the Library.

So, please contact us at least a week in advance of your visit.
telephone: (202)-707-4916
email: vohp@loc.gov

Detailed instructions are available online at www.loc.gov/vets/researchinfo.html

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Leroy Mzhickteno’s Story—Dispatch November 30, 2009

Leroy Mzhickteno’s oral history is among those highlighted in a new VHP Web Feature, “Willing to Serve: American Indians.”

Nicknamed Mickey, he grew up on the Potawatomi Reservation in Kansas during the Depression. After graduating from high school, he joined the National Guard in 1939 to make money. He was still in the Guard on December 7, 1941, and was soon on fulltime active duty in the Army. His infantry regiment sailed from England to France shortly after D-Day, and they spent the rest of the war chasing the retreating Germans. He was wounded in the back by shell fragments during intense fighting. Patched up and sent back to his unit, he was put in charge of a group of replacements who were more interested in confiscating food and wine than in pursuing the German Army.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Ed McGaa’s Story—Dispatch November 25, 2009

Ed McGaa’s oral history is among those highlighted in a new VHP Web Feature, “Willing to Serve: American Indians.”

Born during the Depression on the impoverished Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, Ed McGaa saw many young men join the military in search of a better life. He joined the Marines and served in Korea just after the truce ended the hostilities. He used the GI Bill to go to college, and then a military recruiter persuaded him to re-enlist. This time, he trained as a Marine pilot for service in Vietnam, where he flew 110 missions, as many as five of them in a 24-hour stretch. McGaa went on to become a published author, exploring in works of fiction and nonfiction the history and contemporary experiences of his people.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Joseph Beimfohr’s Story—Dispatch November 24, 2009

Joseph Beimfohr’s oral history is among those highlighted in a new VHP Web Feature, “Willing to Serve: American Indians.”

Beimfohr enlisted in the Army two days after his 17th birthday. His grandmother, who reared him, signed his enlistment paperwork. He went to Iraq in January 2005, and his unit was tasked to clear travel routes that were polluted with improvised explosive devices (IED) and to search households for weapons. In July of that year, Beimfohr and his men had just disarmed an IED when a second explosion ripped into him. He lost both legs, but he did not lose his sense of pride in his work and his determination to persevere.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Chester Nez’s Story—Dispatch November 23, 2009

Chester Nez’s oral history is among those highlighted in a new VHP Web Feature, “Willing to Serve: American Indians.”

During World War II, Marine recruiters came to a high school in Yuba City, Arizona, in search of Navajos to participate in a secret program. Chester Nez volunteered and endured rigorous training and testing to become a Code Talker, a select group who used their native language to confound Japanese intercepting American communications. Nez outlines in detail how 29 young recruits assembled a complex code that helped win the war.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Lewis Sawaquat’s Story—Dispatch November 20, 2009

Lewis Sawaquat’s oral history is among those highlighted in a new VHP Web Feature, “Willing to Serve: American Indians.”

Sawaquat was 18 years old when he enlisted in the Army during the last year of the Korean War. He served with an artillery battalion in Korea, stationed 25 to 30 miles behind the front lines. He was rattled by the sound of gunfire upon his arrival in the country, but he soon got used to it. He was told of the horrors that awaited him if he were taken prisoner, but he believed there was little chance of capture as the war moved toward a stalemate. He found that Koreans bonded with him as an American Indian, because they claimed that his ancestors crossed the land bridge from Asia to North America.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Marcella Le Beau’s Story—Dispatch November 19, 2009

Marcella Le Beau’s oral history is among those highlighted in a new VHP Web Feature, “Willing to Serve: American Indians.”

Ms. Le Beau finished her nurse’s training in her native South Dakota in 1943 and was working at a hospital in Pontiac, Michigan, when she heard about the Army’s need for nurses. A year later, she was camped out in a cow pasture in Normandy, in the wake of the D-Day invasion, on her way to Paris. That December she was in Liege, Belgium, where she and her comrades were told to open their Christmas presents ten days early, as the Battle of the Bulge had just begun and they might have to evacuate. She never encountered discrimination because of her background; in fact, when colleagues learned that her great-grandfather was a chief, they assumed she must be an Indian princess.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

White House Kick-Off on Veterans Day 2009—Dispatch November 12, 2009

President Barack Obama and HISTORY™ kicked off the Take a Veteran to School Day initiative at the White House on Veterans Day.

The Veterans History Project and HISTORY™ hosted the National Teach-In on Veterans History, a live web cast to over 2,000 schools across the nation, as part of the Take a Veteran to School Day initiative.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Veterans Day 2009—Dispatch November 11, 2009

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki issues a call to action this Veterans Day.
“VA has partnered with the Library of Congress to honor our Veterans, preserve their histories and ensure that their service, sacrifice and heroism will never be forgotten,” said Secretary Shinseki. “We want to encourage Americans to record the oral histories of Veterans for future generations.”
The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service—Dispatch November 10, 2009

VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) actively supports VHP, and some of the interviews included in VA's "Countdown to Veterans Day with the Library of Congress" were recorded by VAVS volunteers (www.volunteer.va.gov).

Click Arizona on the map to hear the story of Cookie Avvampato, an Air Force veteran interviewed by VAVS at the Southern Arizona Healthcare System in Tucson.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

“Willing to Serve: American Indians”—Dispatch November 9, 2009

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Veterans History Project spotlights the interviews of Native Americans in "Willing to Serve: American Indians," a website feature that comprises nine first-person accounts of those who volunteered to serve during conflicts from World War II to Iraq.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Secretary Shinseki Issues Call to Action—Dispatch November 5, 2009

“VA has partnered with the Library of Congress to honor our Veterans, preserve their histories and ensure that their service, sacrifice and heroism will never be forgotten,” said Secretary Shinseki. “We want to encourage Americans to record the oral histories of Veterans for future generations.”
Every day between November 1st and Veterans Day, compelling personal oral histories of veterans from each of the 50 states, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be featured at www.va.gov.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

House Designates National Veterans History Project Week—Dispatch November 5, 2009

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, to designate “National Veterans History Project Week to encourage public participation in a nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who served our Nation in times of war and conflict.”

Congressman Ron Kind (for himself and for Congressman Zach Wamp) submitted the resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Honor our Veterans. Record their stories!—Dispatch November 3, 2009

During the countdown to Veterans Day 2009, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki issue a call to action for all Americans, âHonor our Veterans. Record their stories!â

Every day between November 1st and Veterans Day, compelling personal oral histories of veterans from each of the 50 states, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be featured at www.va.gov.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

NEW! VHP Field Kit COMPANION VIDEO—Dispatch November 2, 2009

Watch the new Companion Video to easily navigate the VHP Field Kit—the “how-to” record a story booklet that volunteer interviewers use to record the first-person oral histories of American wartime veterans. Visit www.loc.gov/vets and click on the “Companion Video” button in the upper right corner.

NOTE: RealPlayer is required to play the VHP Field Kit Companion Video. Free RealPlayer software download available at http://www.real.com/realplayer.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Commemorating VHP’s 9th Year—Dispatch October 27, 2009

The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380), sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel in the U.S. Senate, received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 27, 2000.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

Watch the National Teach-In Online Anytime—Dispatch October 26, 2009

National Teach-In is Archived Online. Watch it anytime!

HISTORY™, together with the Veterans History Project, hosted a National Teach-In on Veterans History on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009, at 12pm EST.

Over 2,000 schools from all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico participated in the largest educational event ever held at the Library!

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

NEW! VHP Resources for Educators—Dispatch October 21, 2009

New Veterans History Project primary source sets are available on the Library of Congress Teachers Page.

A Teacher Guide and Classroom Tools are offered as well—a great resource for teachers planning for Veterans Day.

http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/veterans/
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/veterans/struggles.html

It’s not too late to register for today’s Teach-In and the Take a Veteran to School program. Visit www.veterans.com. HISTORY™, together with the Veterans History Project, will host the National Teach-In on Veterans History on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009, at 12pm EST.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

National Teach-In is October 21st—Dispatch October 20, 2009

2,000 schools from all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico will participate via webcast making this the largest educational event ever held at the Library!

It’s not too late to register for this webcast and the Take a Veteran to School program, visit www.veterans.com.

HISTORY™, together with the Veterans History Project, will host a National Teach-In on Veterans History on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009, at 12pm EST. Educators and students nationwide can tune-in and view this LIVE webcast online at www.veterans.com. The webcast will be broadcast live from the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Each school or teacher that signs up for the October 21st webcast will receive a colorful WWII in HD poster and a field kit developed by the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. (These are available while supplies last, so sign up now!)

If you have any additional questions or feedback, contact at veterans@aetn.com.

There is no registration fee. HISTORY fully funded this event.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

Opportunity for Educators on October 21st—Dispatch October 08, 2009

National Teach-In is October 21st

To register for this webcast and the Take a Veteran to School program, visit www.veterans.com. 1,000 teachers have already signed up through History!

HISTORY™, together with the Veterans History Project, will host a National Teach-In on Veterans History on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009, at 12pm EST. Educators and students nationwide can tune-in and view this LIVE webcast online at www.veterans.com. The webcast will be broadcast live from the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Each school or teacher that signs up for the October 21st webcast will receive a colorful WWII in HD poster and a field kit developed by the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. (These are available while supplies last, so sign up now!)

If you have any additional questions or feedback, contact at veterans@aetn.com.

There is no registration fee. HISTORY™ fully funded this event.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

Hector Ponton’s Story—Dispatch October 5, 2009

Hector R. Ponton joined the Puerto Rico Army National Guard at age fifteen in order to attend their summer camp with his friends. Little did he know that he would spend the next thirty-six years of his life serving with the US Army, deploying to Berlin, when the Wall was being built; to Vietnam for two tours of duty; to the volatile Military Demarcation Line between North and South Korea; and to Nicaragua, when the Sandinista National Liberation Front overthrew the Somoza regime.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

VHP is Repository for Hundreds of Hispanic Veteran Interviews—Dispatch September 24, 2009

VHP currently holds over 500 individual stories of Hispanic veterans, but there are likely many more among the over 65,000 stories in the VHP collection.

VHP Director Bob Patrick said, “Veterans who share a story with VHP have the option to self identify their race or ethnicity on VHP’s required forms. As we commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we encourage all veterans to identify their heritage so that we can accurately reflect the diversity within the VHP collection and of those who served.”

Bob Patrick will join StoryCorps’ Historias Initiative kick-off on the grounds of the U.S. Botanic Garden today, September 24th to talk about VHP’s ongoing initiatives to collect the stories our nation’s Hispanic veterans.

“It’s timely that StoryCorps will now begin to record the broader stories of Hispanic culture and share them with the Library of Congress American Folklife Center where they will be preserved alongside the stories that the Veterans History Project has collected, preserved, and shared since we were created by Congress in 2000,” offered Patrick.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

VHP Marks Hispanic Heritage Month—Dispatch September 21, 2009

The Veterans History Project features stories from its collection during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Jose Zaragoza was the son of Mexican immigrants and a teenager in Los Angeles during the Depression. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, which provided him with discipline that served him well when he enlisted in the Coast Guard shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was assigned to a walking beach patrol along northern California’s shore, first on his own, and then with dogs he helped train. A stint in radar school and additional training in a new tracking system called LORAN got him placed on Ulithi, a tiny atoll just east of the Philippines. He manned a tracking station on that hot and lonely outpost until well after the war ended.

Listen to his full interview and see his photographs.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

They Also Served—Dispatch September 7, 2009

The Veterans History Project commemorates Labor Day with “They Also Served,” an online presentation that features a dozen first-person accounts of Coast Guard and Merchant Marine veterans who went to sea to transport troops, deliver vital supplies, protect our shores, and patrol enemy waters.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

Court Reporters Gather in Washington, DC—Dispatch August 4, 2009

What: The National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) sponsors “VHP Day” during The National Court Reporters Association’s (NCRA) Annual Convention.

Where: Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland.

When: Friday, August 7th, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

NCRF volunteers and NCRA court reporters will interview veterans and transcribe their stories on site.

Veterans in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area are invited to attend “VHP Day” and tell their story of wartime experience.

Contact Beth Kilker at 703/556-6272, ext. 174, or e-mail her at bkilker@ncrahq.org.

Interview time slots still open:
10:30 am to 11:30 am
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

Unwavering Service—Dispatch July 10, 2009

The men and women who dedicate themselves to serve our country allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Cookie Avvampato is an example of this steadfast commitment to service.

Avvampato is a self-described “military brat” who grew up to become a professional nurse. She was the mother of two late-teen children when she joined the Air Force Reserves. Three months later she was called into active duty to serve in Desert Storm as a backfill medical specialist in Kuwait.

Fourteen years later, she volunteered to serve in Iraq. Daily life in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom was a study in contrasts. Her medical facility in Kuwait had many amenities with little sense of danger, and conditions at her base in Balad, Iraq, were confining and dominated by the Big Voice, a public address announcer who warned of incoming mortar attacks—usually after they had started.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc/vets.

Independence—Dispatch July 2, 2009

Independence is perhaps most appreciated by those who have lived in captivity.

Rhonda Cornum served in the brief and lopsided Persian Gulf War. It may be surprising that there were actually American prisoners of war, but Cornum was one. She served with an Attack Helicopter Battalion as a medical officer, went down in a helicopter crash, and was held by the Iraqis for seven days. She drew on her training as both a soldier and doctor to survive her brief but painful ordeal.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Born on the Fourth of July—Dispatch July 4, 2009

As we mark July 4th as a day to celebrate our independence, we invite you to listen to the story of WWII veteran Warren Tsuneishi.

Warren Tsuneishi was born on July 4, 1921, to Japanese immigrants. After Japanese forces bombed Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entered World War II, his family was evacuated to Heart Mountain, a Japanese internment facility in Wyoming. But Tsuneishi craved freedom and the chance to serve his country, in spite of his family's confinement. He volunteered for the Military Intelligence Service Language School and served in the Pacific, translating captured documents that gave U.S. forces a big advantage in securing the Philippines and Okinawa.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Tears in the Darkness - Dispatch June 23, 2009

Book Talk at the Library of Congress on Friday, June 26, 2009, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM.

Tears in the Darkness: The Story of the Bataan Death March and Its Aftermath is about World War II, in the tradition of All Quiet on the Western Front and Hiroshima.

Authors Michael and Elizabeth Norman will discuss their powerfully original book about the battle for the tiny Philippine peninsula of Bataan.

Interested parties in or near Washington, DC, are invited to join us in the West Dining Room, 6th Floor of the James Madison Building (101 Independence Ave., SE). The event is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations required.

Sponsored by the Asian Division Friends Society, Embassy of the Philippines, Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, and the Library of Congress Professional Association Veterans Forum.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

D-Day: 65th Anniversary--Dispatch June 5, 2009

As the 65th anniversary of D-Day approaches, we invite you to listen to some of the personal accounts of those who were there.

Next to December 7, 1941, the most memorable date in the history of World War II is June 6, 1944, when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy. Thanks to German miscalculations, the invasion met much less resistance than thought possible. D-Day marked the beginning of the end of the war in Europe, though it would rage on for another 11 months. Here are stories of men who stormed those beaches, who directed the landings, who sailed or flew in support of the invasion, who parachuted or piloted gliders into France on the night of June 5, and who arrived in the days after June 6 (D-Day Plus 1, etc.) to continue the perilous work of pushing back and defeating the German Army.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Unhealed Wounds - Dispatch May 22, 2009

To start the Memorial Day weekend, the Veterans History Project launches its latest Experiencing War presentation, “Disabled Veterans: The Unhealed Wounds.”

Among the stories featured is that of Connie Spinks, who served in Iraq with a U.S. Army civil affairs battalion. A suicide bomber set off his charge next to her armored vehicle, and the explosion ejected, severely injuring her and burning her face. She spent four months in a wheelchair before she could walk on her own. Spinks received her Purple Heart from a very special fan of the military-movie star Denzel Washington. More stories like this at www.loc.gov/vets

The GI Film Festival - Dispatch May 14, 2009

Two Films recently screened at the Library of Congress will be part of the GI Film Festival.

The Wars We Fought is a documentary produced by Congressman Ed Perlmutter and the Community College of Aurora, which features interviews of veterans from ColoradoÃ¢ÂÂs 7th District.

Lioness is the story of the first group of women soldiers in US history to be sent into direct ground combat.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.

Tracy Sugarman Lecture and Book Signing-Dispatch May 1, 2009

The Library of Congress American Folklife Center presents the Benjamin Botkin Folklife Lecture Series, an Acquisitions & Preservations Project.

Tracy Sugarman (WWII veteran who recorded his personal story of military experience for the Veterans History Project) will talk about and sign his latest book.

We Had Sneakers, They Had Guns: The Kids Who Fought for Civil Rights in Mississippi.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 12:00-1:00 PM
WHERE: Mumford Room Sixth Floor, James Madison Memorial Building, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave, SE

Those in the DC Metropolitan area on May 5th are encouraged to attend.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets.