Veterans History Project

Why a Veteran Tells the Story

Pete Ritch of Madison spent more than 3 years in the Marines, including 13 months in Vietnam. "Everybody's got a story," he says. "Hopefully it's about positive things we did as military folks."

Perhaps they served in the Army, or the Navy, or the Air Force, or the Marines. Or perhaps they supported the armed services as a civilian. Their experiences make up a rich part of our nation's history—stories that future generations will want to hear and see.

The Veterans History Project is a program sponsored by the Library of Congress and the American Folklore Society to document personal histories of U.S. war veterans. The Library of Congress will then gather these stories in a national archive of audio- and videotapes, letters, diaries, maps, photographs and home movies.

The HMCPL participates in the Veterans History Project by referring local veterans to the Veterans Memorial Museum to share their stories. The Veterans Memorial Museum has the space and equipment necessary for creating an interesting environment in which to conduct interviews.

The Veterans History Project is a profound opportunity to inform and educate future generations. If you would like to be interviewed or if you wish to learn more about the Veterans History Project, please contact contact the Veterans History Museum at (256)883-3737 or visit the national websiteVeterans History Project.