Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) is inviting local schools and veterans to participate in the Veterans History Project.

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center was created by the U.S. Congress in 2000 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.

“This project is a valuable history lesson for young people to hear firsthand what serving our nation during war time means,” said Thompson. “The recordings will serve as keepsakes for generations, allowing grandchildren and great grandchildren to learn about their family members who served on the battlefield so they could grow up free.”

The Veterans History Project program comprises individual audio- and video-recorded interviews, original photographs, letters and other historical documents from veterans of every war and conflict since World War I.

Students and veteran “coaches” will be paired with a combat veteran to record the interview. Students are encouraged to consider the Veterans History Project for their senior project and Scout troops are encouraged to include Veterans History Project on their path to Eagle Scout.

Veterans are encouraged to sign up to be interviewed and to be coach mentors and work with students and veterans throughout the project. Interested students, teachers and veterans may call Congressman Thompson’s district office in Napa County at 707-226-9898.

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