Veterans History Project
Our veterans have served this nation bravely and heroically. We owe these men and women an enormous debt of gratitude and respect. On August 31, 2016, my office had the honor of hosting our first Veterans History Project (VHP) event at the Nisei Veterans Center in Seattle. The VHP’s mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American veterans so that future generations may hear directly from former servicemembers and better understand their unique stories, and selfless sacrifice. Nisei Veterans have contributed to our region’s history, and continue to play a critical role in educating future generations on the history of our country. The rich history of the Nisei Veterans provided a welcoming and inspiring space for those participating and sharing their stories. The VHP event was also made possible with the generosity of cadets from the local Civil Air Patrol squadron, who volunteered to assist in conducting interviews throughout the day’s event, as well as members of senior leadership from the Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee.
At the event, I had the privilege to speak about the significance of our veteran’s service, as well as the importance of future generations being offered this unique opportunity to learn from these very personal stories. The event showcased a presentation of previously recorded oral histories from Ret. General Peter Chiarelli and Ret. Major General Tim Lowenberg, both Northwest natives and national veteran leaders in the Puget Sound region. The diverse ages and backgrounds of the veterans who participated in the VHP will provide a powerful contribution to the permanent collections of the Library of Congress – one that is truly reflective of our region’s diverse history.
In honor of our veteran's service, my office will be continually recording oral histories from veterans in our community through the year in my Renton District Office.
How to participate:
Veterans History Project’s (VHP) mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Participation in the VHP will contribute to the permanent collections of the Library of Congress, one of the world’s most respected research and cultural institutions.
Share your story, if you’re a veteran.
Simply sit down with a friend or loved one and record a conversation about your military experiences for 30 minutes or longer.
Interview a veteran in your family or community.
Collect a veteran’s historical documents.
Interested veterans should contact Julian Purdy at 202.225.8901 or Julian.Purdy@mail.house.gov
Community members interested in conducting interviews should contact Linh Thai at 425.793.5180 or Linh.Thai@mail.house.gov
About the Veterans History Project:
The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center 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.
The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380) sponsored by U.S. Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton and Steny Hoyer and U.S. Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel, received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 27, 2000.
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE HERE