Congressman Don Young Announces Veterans History Project Initiative to Permanently Preserve Stories of Alaska's Veterans in the Library of Congress

Statement

Today, Alaska Congressman Don Young announced a partnership between his office and the Library of Congress to preserve the stories of Alaska's veterans for generations to come. The Veterans History Project was created through an Act of Congress with the purpose of preserving American history by recording the oral histories of American veterans. The Veterans History Project collects first-hand accounts of America's veterans through audio and video recordings and with collections of original photographs, letters, and diaries.

"As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, it is important that all of us reflect on the sacrifices made by those who helped secure our freedom. Alaska is the proud home to over 70,000 U.S. Military veterans who served our country during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and various other conflicts throughout the world. U.S. Military veterans are our friends, family members, and neighbors. They teach our children, attend our worship services, and are involved in community activities across our great state. One of the best ways we can honor their service to our nation is by listening to their voices and developing an appreciation and understanding from the stories they have to tell," said Congressman Don Young. "I am pleased to share with you a new partnership between my office and the Library of Congress to preserve the personal accounts of Alaska's veterans for future generations to hear and learn from. It is my great hope that through this partnership, Americans across the nation can experience our shared history through Alaska's veterans, and ensure that their stories are never forgotten."

The Veterans History Project is open to all military veterans or Gold Star Family members age 18 and older. There are three ways to participate in the Veterans History Project:

1) A veteran or Gold Star family member may participate in a 30 minute video interview with a member of my staff.

2) A veteran may also submit 20 or more pages of original, unpublished memoirs of their service.

3) Finally, a veteran may donate 10 or more original photographs, letters, or 2-dimensional works of art.

The Office of Congressman Don Young will be scheduling interviews with interested Alaskans in their Anchorage and Fairbanks offices for the remainder of the year. If you, or a veteran you know are interested in preserving your stories in the Library of Congress, please contact the Office of Congressman Don Young at (907) 271-5978. Interested parties may also contact Congressman Young's staff via email at DonYoungVetsProject@mail.house.gov.

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