Veterans history honored by Congress; saved for the next generation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua R. M. Dewberry
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Col. Brad Hoagland, Joint Base Andrews/11th Wing commander, along with Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, Maryland's 4th Congressional District, hosted the Veterans History Project reception for a small audience at The Courses at Andrews here, Nov. 06, 2015.

The reception was an opportunity to thank the veterans and volunteers from Maryland's 4th Congressional District who shared their stories and helped organize and record the interviews.

"It's important to remember and honor the men and women who came before us and made the ultimate sacrifice," Edwards said. "We are pleased to record these memories of our veterans and pass them on to the next generation."

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center collects, preserves and makes accessible the first-hand accounts of American war veterans so future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

The interviews from veterans across multiple wars, including the Vietnam War and Gulf War, were showcased in a short video.

In addition to the veterans and their families, students from Prince George's Community College and Suitland High School, whom helped conduct the interviews, also attended.

"We cannot thank our veterans enough for their willingness to defend this country in times of great need," said Col. Julie Grundahl, JBA/11th Wing vice commander. "These videos do not tell every veteran's story, but it is certainly a valuable tool to share with the American people and especially our future service members."

Veterans received their certificates of congressional recognition during the reception.