As the first anniversary of the Chattanooga Veteran's History Project (VHP) approaches, Congressman Zach Wamp reminds area veterans about the opportunity to become part of history by recording their personal military stories for the Library of Congress. 

Started on Veteran's Day last year, the VHP is a partnership between WRCB Ch. 3, Erlanger, First Tennessee Bank and Congressman Zach Wamp. The project covers World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars and includes all participants in those wars--men and women, civilian and military. It documents the contributions of civilian volunteers, support staff, and war industry workers as well as the experiences of military personnel from all ranks and all branches of service--the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

"The Veterans History Project has recorded over 400 stories of local veterans in the Chattanooga area that will be permanently archived at the Library of Congress.  I encourage veterans and their spouses to make an appointment to tell their stories of what life was like serving their country - whether it was overseas or here on the home front," said Wamp. 

Local veterans are invited to call (423) 778-VETS to schedule appointments for videotaping and to bring in their personal mementos from their time in service. Videotaping sessions will be conducted in a convenient location at the Erlanger Baroness Campus on 3rd Street. Channel 3 Eyewitness News will ship each of the taped stories and any donated items to the American Folklife Center for cataloging where they will become part of a permanent collection housed at the Library of Congress. Each participating veteran will be mailed a copy of his or her taped story. In addition, Channel 3 Eyewitness News will air weekly stories on some of the local veterans who volunteer to share their memories.

"This is a unique opportunity for veterans to share with their families, their communities and their grateful nation of what they went through to secure our freedom," added Wamp.