HonorA Veteran And BecomePart Of History (NAPSA)—A national volunteer effort, started by a unanimous vote in the U.S. Congress, has been collecting the oral histories of America’s wartime veterans. Over the last five years, the Veterans History Project (VHP), which is part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, has collected more than 35,000 first-hand recollections— an impressive number. But it’s only a fraction of the 19 millionplus stories the Project would like to add to the permanent collections of the Library of Congress. This collection of stories of valor, sacrifice, and love is unique in that it has been assembled by volunteers from all across the country. The stories become part of our nation’s recorded history and are available to anyone who wants to share or learn from these reminiscences—eitherin person or online. As an interviewer, you are, in essence, a volunteer historian, recording a story that you’re unlikely to get from a textbook or a typical historical account. And just as important, you are honoring our veterans by taking time to learn about their experiences as combatants or civilians who workedin jobs in direct support of our Armed VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT @ Forces. It’s as easy as having a conversation—only you’re recording it on audio- or videotape and maybe even collecting letters, photographs, or other historical documents. You can become a volunteer historian and a part of this important program. Just go to the VHP’s Website and learn step by step how to get involved. All it takes is a few hours of your time and your desire to honor a veteran. Start with veterans in your extended family. Record their stories; make a copy for the Library of Congress and your own family archives. Before you know it, you'll be hooked. Becomea part of the Veterans History Project and become a part of history. It’s a wonderful way to acknowledge and pay tribute to the men and women who have given so much to their nation. Visit VHP at www.loc.gov/vets, e-mail vohp@loc.gov or call the toll-free message line at 888-3715848.
