Veterans' memories of their time in the military is an important record of the nation's history. If these stories are allowed to fade without being collected and told, something of great value is lost. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the Library of Congress is fortunately making progress on preserving these accounts through its Veterans History Project. The news provider noted that as a commemoration of National Purple Heart Day, which is recognized every August 7th, court reporters are archiving the stories of vets who have been awarded Purple Hearts for sustaining wounds during their service.
Holding onto History
Each generation has unique experiences that may hold important lessons for the future. The Sun Times explained that making sure these recollections are recorded and officially preserved is a valuable undertaking, one that the Veterans History Project has devoted itself to. National Court Reporters Association Foundation Manager April Weiner told the news provider that with older veterans passing away, it's important to ensure their memories of the conflicts that defined their eras live on.
Weiner noted that 1,500 veterans die on an average day. Ensuring there is a legacy that outlives each individual is therefore important work for the organizations collaborating on the project. Personal memories of past wars and other military actions may present a perspective that is absent from more top-down accounts. By collecting individuals' recollections, the Library of Congress is ensuring that future generations will have a multifaceted look at what military life was really like throughout U.S. history. Conflicts such as the Vietnam War are being documented now, while there are still many living who were involved.
The Sun Times added that eight interviews were held for National Purple Heart Day, and they will be available through both on-site and online archives. The digital age has given researchers functionally infinite space to store information, meaning that there is no reason not to collect every available perspective on the military experience. People who have served will inevitably have unique and valuable perspectives on their service.
"War is unimaginable if you haven't been through it, and these interviews help to give more life to their stories," Weiner told the news provider.
Other Purple Heart Day celebrations
The recorded accounts are one part of a larger set of commemorative activities on National Purple Heart Day. New Mexico news provider the Las Cruces Sun-News recently highlighted the dedication of a new monument to veterans who have received Purple Hearts. The new installation is located near a previous memorial, the Veterans Memorial Wall.
The Sun-News spoke with veterans who attended the ceremony, including multiple former service members who sustained wounds in the Vietnam War. They explained that there is an added significance to highlighting those who have been wounded in combat, speaking about fellow soldiers who suffered severe injuries in the course other duties. Those are individuals who have given immeasurably to their country, and commemorating them means highlighting an inescapable part of war.
The news provider reported that the dedication was attended by a crowd of approximately 100. The stone monument will remain in Veterans Memorial Park for Las Cruces residents to visit and think about the service members who have suffered wounds for their country.