We are working on a Veterans History Project with the Library of Congress that is getting regional attention! The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress 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.

These personal accounts are recorded via tablets, laptops, or smartphones. Volunteers help veterans fill out the proper paperwork and then help with the first-hand interview by asking questions and talking to the veteran throughout the process.

This project also allows oral histories to be shared of “Gold Star Family members” including parents, spouse, sibling or child of members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during the period of the war.

How is United Way involved? 

We have been recording our local veterans and submitting them to the Library of Congress so that the local stories of our veterans around the lakeshore are preserved for decades to come. The Veterans History Project only accepts videos of veterans during active war times. That leaves a huge gap in our nation's heroes that served during "peacetimes". With our local log, you can view not only the ones that are submitted to the Library of Congress, but of those who may not be eligible due to not meeting strict criteria. 

Want to get involved?