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Category: Storytelling

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

VHP Collections We Love: Janis Nark and the Power of the Pen

Posted by: Kerry Ward

This is the second in a series exploring favorite Veterans History Project collections, chosen by the staff of the American Folklife Center (AFC) and the Veterans History Project (VHP) to be included in our new online exhibit celebrating 20 years of VHP. Each post in the series will offer “love letters” written by AFC and …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Harvey Pratt: Dreaming of a National Native American Veterans Memorial

Posted by: Kerry Ward

The following is a guest blog post by liaison specialist Owen Rogers about the November 11, 2020 completion and programing surrounding the National Native American Veterans Memorial.  American Indians and Alaska Natives comprise less than 1% of the United States population. They boast a higher percentage of veterans than any other ethnicity and a tradition of …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Veterans History Project Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Conversations and Song

Posted by: Kerry Ward

Because their stories are OUR stories ~ November 6 – 14, 2020 Join us in a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress with a series of panel discussions and musical performances. The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

The Last Sunday in September

Posted by: Kerry Ward

The last Sunday in September marks Gold Star Mothers and Family’s day- a day for our nation to show our profound gratitude and respect for the families of our fallen.  Last year, the Library of Congress invited Gold Star families to join us so that we could celebrate the lives, service and love of their …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

“A Bad Penny Always Returns”

Posted by: Kerry Ward

This is the sixth blog post in a series marking the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II, and will feature an “Aviator Flight Log Book,” which will be available during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover in September 2020. While I enjoy working remotely, I miss having the opportunity to interact with those visiting the Veterans History Project’s …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Turning the Tides in the Pacific

Posted by: Kerry Ward

This is the fourth blog post in a series marking the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II, and will feature an “Aviator Flight Log Book,” which will be available during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover in September 2020. There are certain moments in life that stay with you forever.  “Flashbulb memories,” as Lisa Taylor points out in …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Volunteering Against the Odds

Posted by: Kerry Ward

This is the third blog post in a series marking the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II, and will feature an “Aviator Flight Log Book,” which will be available during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover in September 2020. In the spring of 1940, Nazi Germany’s shadow was cast over much of Western Europe, but with world domination …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

“A Solemn but Glorious Hour” – Remembering VE-Day

Posted by: Kerry Ward

The following is a guest blog post by Justina Moloney, archivist with the Veterans History Project, and Kerry Ward, liaison specialist.  Seventy-five years ago, bells rang out around the world as Nazi Germany surrendered its armed forces – ending the war in Europe. The days following the surrender were filled with celebration, but the thought …