“Stories of Service” to be archived in Library of Congress for preservation

Media Contact: Heather Wong, 202.225.3072

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren today hosted a reception to honor San Jose veterans attending the National World War II Memorial dedication ceremony.  More than 50 Silicon Valley veterans and their families will join thousands of World War II veterans from across the country in Washington, D.C. this Memorial Day weekend for the dedication of the new World War II Memorial that is located on the National Mall. 

“I am honored to join so many San Jose veterans in Washington DC for the dedication of the National World War II Memorial,” Rep. Lofgren said.  “This monument, located between the Washington and Lincoln Memorials, will honor the great service of the World War II generation and serve as an inspiration to Americans in the 21st century and beyond.”

At the reception, Rep. Lofgren presented “Stories of Service”, a collection of Veteran’s oral histories compiled by local San Jose students participating in the Digital Clubhouse Network to the Library of Congress, where they will be preserved as a part of our nations’ permanent historical record. 

“I congratulate the students involved with the Digital Clubhouse for their dedication in preserving the memories of our veterans for future generations,” said Rep. Lofgren.  “It is very important that we have a record of the stories of sacrifice and honor that veterans have graciously to shared.” 

President Clinton signed Public Law 103-32 on May 25, 1993, authorizing the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to establish a World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II and acknowledging the commitment and achievement of the entire nation.  The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home.

“The Stories of Service” project is an initiative of the Digital Clubhouse Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting service and building stronger communities by mobilizing Americans of all ages to help preserve the personal stories and legacy of our nation's veterans.  www.digiclub.org <http://www.digiclub.org>