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Category: World War II

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 …

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

Subtle Celebrations of VE-Day’s 75th Anniversary

Posted by: Kerry Ward

Today marks 75 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a time which should be full of momentous celebrations for all Allies. Regrettably, our current adversary (COVID-19) will force many of us to commemorate this significant occasion more quietly through virtual events or delaying commemorations to future dates. Don’t despair though!  There are still ways …

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

Five Questions with Mike Farrar, Los Angeles Region American Red Cross & VHP Volunteer

Posted by: Kerry Ward

The following is a guest blog post from American Red Cross Long Beach Chapter’s Veterans History Project Director, Mike Farrar in honor of National Volunteer Month. Tell us about yourself. My name is Mike Farrar, and I joined the American Red Cross as a volunteer back in 2008 to serve as one of the leads …

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

From Behind the Lines to Between the Lines: War Poems and Beyond

Posted by: Kerry Ward

The following is a blog post in honor of National Poetry Month. While walking the halls of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, it is not difficult to be inspired by the Lyric Poetry Hall.  I have often wondered what artists and poets have ventured through these halls for the past 122 years. Were …

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

Bidding Blue Skies and Tailwinds to the Last of the Doolittle Raiders

Posted by: Kerry Ward

Just days shy of the 77th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, Lieutenant Colonel Richard “Dick” Cole, the sole surviving Doolittle Raider, flew west this morning. He was 103 years old. I had the great privilege of working with Cole at airshows and through veteran services. We laughed over him telling my father he was getting …

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

“The Greatest American Battle of the War” – A Visit From Those Who Were There

Posted by: Kerry Ward

Care must be taken in telling our proud tale not to claim for the British Army an undue share what is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war, and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever famous American victory.” – Sir Winston Churchill, addressing the House of Commons on January 18, 1945 Commemorating …

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Happy Birthday, VHP! Cheers to 18 Years

Posted by: Kerry Ward

The following is a blog post about Veterans History Project (VHP)’s 18th birthday.    Do you remember your 18th birthday? Birthdays, especially milestone birthdays,are often a time of celebration paired with reflection. You consider how far you have come, and yet dream of the next chapters.  As the Veterans History Project (VHP) turns 18 we find ourselves …

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

Take Note! Court Reporters and Captioners Transcribe Interviews for Veterans History Project

Posted by: Kerry Ward

The following is a guest blog post by April Weiner, Foundation Manager at National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF). Veterans History Project (VHP) is very grateful for the long-time participation of the National Court Reporters Association and Foundation in their work to conduct and transcribe interviews.  While VHP does not require interviews to be transcribed, the …