News and Information Services News Release
Back to Newsroom	Tuesday November 04, 2003

WVU J-School to launch statewide veterans history project

CONTACT: Joel Beeson, Asst. Professor, WVU School of Journalism, 304-293-3505, ext. 5422

The West Virginia University School of Journalism will celebrate West Virginia veterans and their personal stories of triumphs and tragedies as they fought for the nation’s freedom during “Voices of Honor: A Day to Celebrate West Virginia Veterans” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in WVU’s Mountainlair Gluck Theater.

The free public event will feature a short film, a photography and memorabilia exhibit, an interactive audio presentation and guest speakers. WVU will also honor with certificates those veterans who have shared and recorded their stories. Information will be available to explain how people can get involved in the statewide and national project.

West Virginia’s Veterans History Project is part of the National Veterans History Project, designed to preserve the real-life experiences of American veterans and civilians who were involved in World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. The project encourages war veterans, their families, veterans groups, community groups and students to audio- and videotape the memories of veterans’ time in service to be preserved in the Library of Congress.

“West Virginia’s Veterans History Project is helping West Virginians find a way to preserve their precious legacy of service,” said SOJ Dean Christine Martin. “The stories of those who fought, struggled and worked for freedom during America’s wars are stories worth telling and stories worth keeping. The project will offer people across West Virginia the opportunity to record and keep the histories of those who served.”

On Nov. 11, the Journalism School also plans to unveil several public service announcements that will feature distinguished West Virginian Sen. Robert C. Byrd – a strong supporter of the project – encouraging everyone to take part in the project. A web site has also been launched providing news and information on how to participate.

West Virginia is home to more than 200,000 veterans, the highest per capita number of any state.

“When translated to the Veterans History Project, that’s 200,000 stories waiting to be recorded,” Martin said. “If you are a veteran or served in a civilian war industry, you possess a valuable resource in your war memories and military experience, and we encourage you to participate in this project.”

For more information about the Veterans History Project in West Virginia, contact Joel Beeson, WVU School of Journalism, 304-293-3505, ext. 5422, or visit http://veteranshistory.wvu.edu.

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