Authorized by Congress in October 2000, the Veterans History Project is an invaluable project that is preserving first-hand narratives of those who served in the United States of America in wartime during the 20th Century. The military experiences of the veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean, Vietnam or Persian Gulf Wars are an important part of America's history. So, too, are the experiences of those who volunteered on the home front or worked in a war-related industry or on a military base during wartime.

As a nation, we have an urgent need to collect the stories of the veterans of World War I and World War II while they are still among us. According to the U.S. Deparmtent of Veterans Affairs, 1,600 veterans die every day. There is also a need to collect the stories of minorities and of those who fought in Vietnam. These two populations are currently underrepresented in the Veterans History Project.

While the project's primary focus is oral history, the Library of Congress is also collecting letters, diaries, photographs and home movies that document the veterans' experiences. Locally, the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Historical Society will serve as a regional archive for the recordings and any supporting materials.

If you are a veteran, were involved in home front activities, or worked in a war-related industry or on a military base during any of the above-mentioned wars, please allow us to record the memories of your experiences and preserve them for future generations.

If you are not a veteran, consider joining the Volunteer Corps. Volunteers are those individuals who actually interview the veterans. Of course, veterans can be interviewers, too. Some of the best interviews are those that are held between two veterans comparing their experiences.

For more information, check out the Veterans History Project website at www.loc.gov/folklife/vets. To volunteer, please visit the Local History Department or call (724) 226-0770.