When we think about preserving veterans’ stories, we often think first about their military service. But every veteran has a life story that reaches beyond their time in uniform: childhood memories, family traditions, friendships, challenges, travel, homecomings, and the wisdom that comes from living.
If you have a veteran in your family, consider making time to listen, ask questions, and preserve some of those memories. You don’t have to ask all of the questions at once, and you don’t need professional equipment to begin. Here are a few resources to guide you in getting started:
The Library of Congress Veterans History Project
This national project collects and preserves veterans’ firsthand accounts, along with photographs, letters, and other materials. There is information here about how to conduct an interview and then, if interested, how to contribute a veteran’s story to the collection. loc.gov/programs/veterans-history-project/how-to-participate
StoryCorps: Military Voices Initiative
Explore conversations with veterans, service members, and military families. These stories remind us that a person’s experience is about more than the moments of military service & may inspire your own good questions and conversation topics. storycorps.org/discover/military-voices
A Few Good Questions Can Lead to Wonderful Stories
You don’t need a formal interview to begin when engaging with life stories. Ask about childhood, the people who shaped their lives, what they remember about serving, what coming home was like, or what they hope younger generations will understand. My Sharing Our Stories ebook and other storytelling resources from Sacred Stories can help you find questions and start the conversation. sacredstoriesfilms.com — Click the Resources Tab
Preserve the Stories to Last
For families who want to do more, a professionally produced Legacy Film offers a unique way to preserve a veteran’s voice, expressions, memories, and wisdom alongside family photographs and music. At Sacred Stories, we guide each interview with care, letting the storyteller decide what parts of their life they want to share. Learn more about our Legacy Films.
Every life is a story worth sharing. Sometimes the most meaningful way to honor a veteran is to make sure their story is heard, remembered, and carried forward.
