History project gives firsthand accounts of war

The Veterans History Project relies on volunteers to interview, record, compile and donate materials. Everyone is invited to participate. In turn, the contributors can rely on the Library of Congress to preserve, catalog and share these collections now and in the future.

The primary focus is on firsthand accounts of U.S. veterans from the following 20th century wars:

• World War I (1914-1920)

• World War II (1939-1946)

• Korean War (1950-1955)

• Vietnam War (1961-1975)

• Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)

In addition, U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are invited to share their valuable stories.

The project values and appreciates veterans' stories from additional combat arenas, and those received will be processed as resources allow.

If you are interested in participating:

• The Veterans History Project has a Field Kit that will take you through the process of conducting an interview, provide necessary forms for biographical data, releases, a photographer's and interviewer's log and other submission forms. You can get a free copy of the kit online at www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/kit.html or request a printed version at www.loc.gov/vets/projectkitrequest.php

• If you would like to submit your story online, go to www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/ and click on "submit your story."

• For more information about the project, go to www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/; call 1-888-371-5848; e-mail vohp@loc.gov or write Veterans History Project, Library of Congress, American Folklife Center, 101 Independence Avenue S.E., Washington, DC 20540-4615

• Resources do not permit the center to make free copies of collection materials in the Veterans History Project Collection. Make copies for yourself or your family before submitting them to the Veterans History Project. Collections may be reviewed at the library in person by appointment at vohp@loc.gov or 202-707-4916.

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