This guest post comes to us from Veterans History Project staff member, Rachel Mears (Head, Collections Preservation, Access, and Analysis).
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan–to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations. Abraham Lincoln, 2nd Inaugural Address (Abraham Lincoln Papers, Series 3. General Correspondence. 1837-1897)
With the current events unfolding this month in Afghanistan, the Veterans History Project, more than ever, wants veterans and Gold Star Family members to know we are invested in having your memories and testimonials in the archive. The 2000 Congressional mandate to collect so that people “of all current and future generations may hear directly from veterans and better appreciate the realities of war and the sacrifices made by those who served in uniform during wartime” (PL 106-380) resonates especially loud during this distressing time. Please consider sharing your experience. We need to hear your personal perspective.
If you or someone you know is in crisis – this 8.18.2021 article published by Government Executive includes multiple resources.