Veteran's Day tributes and resources

November 3, 11:34 AMMilitary Health ExaminerKaren Estrada

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Veterans Day is observed on Wednesday, November 11th - this is a great day to celebrate and honor the men and women who have served us! The Veteran's History Project is an effort that needs to be publicized more. 

About: The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

The Project collects first-hand accounts of U.S. Veterans from the following wars:

• World War I (1914-1920)
• World War II (1939-1946)
• Korean War (1950-1955)
• Vietnam War (1961-1975)
• Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)
• Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present)

In addition, those U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.

My father was in WWII, a Navy Seabee drafted as soon as he graduated high school. If he were still alive today, I would have him participate in this program. As our WWII, Korean and Vietnam veteran populations age it is important their stories and experiences be captured and documented! There is no better way to learn about military service, combat and the valor of the individuals who serve and have served us than to hear their stories first hand. This is the 'mission' of this project.

What is the Veterans History Project?

The Veterans History Project (VHP) collects and preserves the remembrances of American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them. These collections of first-hand accounts are archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for use by researchers and to serve as an inspiration for generations to come. The Project collects remembrances of veterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War (1990-1995), or Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present). U.S. citizen civilians who actively supported war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, defense contractors, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories. VHP relies on volunteers throughout the nation to collect veterans’ stories on behalf of the Library of Congress. These stories are made available to researchers and the general public, both at the Library in Washington, D.C., and via the VHP website. Other FAQs are: How did the Veterans History Project start? and more.

• How can I get a copy of the Project Kit?

View and print the The Field Kit (for interviews) and Memoir Guidelines on our Web site. You may also order a printed version by sending email to vohp@loc.gov or by calling 888-371-5848 (please allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery).

• I am a veteran.  How can I be interviewed?

While the Veterans History Project does not conduct interviews, you may interview yourself, or have a friend or relative do it. Our Field Kit contains tools to help you with the interview process. Many of our partner organizations conduct interviews. Check our List of Official Partners to locate a partner near you. You may also recount your experiences in a written memoir of at least 20 pages. Our Memoir Guidelines offer information on how to create a written record of your memories.

Download a Brochure (PDF)

 

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The Library of Congress >> American Folklife Center
  October 23, 2009

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Sources:

Library of Congress. Veterans History Project.
http://www.loc.gov/vets/ [Accessed 30 Oct 2009]

United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Day-November 11 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/ [Accessed 03 November 2009].

For questions and more information about Veterans Day Observances, please contact: Veterans Day Coordinator.

• Regional Observances

For Teachers & Students

• Teachers Guide
• Veterans Day History
• Poster Gallery
• VA Kids Site
• Take a Vet to School Day
• Veterans History Project
• Veterans Day Speakers