The stories of our nation’s veterans are the stories of America itself. The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress is working to preserve this important part of our heritage for future generations by collecting oral histories, memoirs, diaries, letters and other documents that capture the experiences of those who have served our nation in time of war.

I am proud to support the Veterans History Project by encouraging residents of Michigan’s 12th Congressional District to participate in this historic effort. The veterans of the 12th District are an important part of our community, and together we can ensure they are well represented in the Veteran History Project.

When Congress created this project it imagined broad public involvement, with grandchildren interviewing their grandparents, veterans interviewing each other, and libraries, museums, and civic groups starting their own projects. For more information about how you can help, you can visit the Veterans website or call the Veterans History Project message line at (888) 371-5848.

I am beginning this local project with a special emphasis on students because it is so important for young people to understand the importance of shared service and sacrifice. I am encouraging local students to volunteer and helping them find local veterans to interview. If you are student and would like to help, you can call Rudy Hobbs in my district office at 586-498-7122.

If you are part of a local organization that is interested in partnering with the Veterans History Project as group, please feel free to contact my office, or you can contact the Project directly.

The Veterans History Project has been successful so far because of broad public participation, including the good work of many groups in the 12th District. We can build on this success by working together to preserve the experiences and accounts of our community’s veterans.