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The Cost of Independence

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Veterans History Project logo with low opacity, waving American flag in the background.

As we celebrate America’s independence on July 4th, let us not forget that freedom isn’t free. Join me in taking a moment to pay tribute to our servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that America remains free.

Independence Day is the perfect holiday to record the story of the veteran in your family or community, or help compile the first person narrative of a deceased loved one who served, and donate it to the Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress. This is an ideal way to show your patriotism, and will have a greater effect than any fireworks show or barbeque.

In addition to audio- or video-recorded interviews, VHP is actively seeking veterans’ original photographs, letters, diaries and other documents. Afterward, each veteran will have his or her own web page on the VHP website. Download a how-to field kit and get more details at www.loc.gov/vets.

While you’re at it, check out VHP’s new YouTube public service announcements (PSAs) and post these links wherever you share information.

30 sec. PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeeQaFiEy-U

60 sec. PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbVL-vUIS0

30 sec. PSA (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dqHZmmesZg

60 sec. PSA (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AybltteHJek

Happy Independence Day!

Comments (2)

  1. I always thought that one of my uncles served in combat when he volunteered in the Korean conflict. One of my brothers told me an exciting tale of heroism about our favorite that Uncle G. Who wore his army uniform back from Korea. Apparently, my brother was watching a movie with Audie Murphy (who was a movie star and served in WW2). Last year when we visited my uncle I asked him about my older brother’s version of his resuming his unit. My uncle quickly responded, “No, Gweni I was a radio operator. We strung connecting wires from one end of the country all the way down to Seoul. The hostilities had ended and the Army was there to build a cmimication

  2. communication system. I knew how to do that and after I got back, I worked for the phone company for 30 years and started a business remodeling houses. You came to my wedding when I married your Aunt H. She taught the first grade until she retired and we raised your 3 cousins who finished college. I’m glad you brought that up.” Thanks Uncle G for building something for many someone’s – somewhere else. Gwen

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