Many of the stories of our nation's veterans have never been preserved and may be lost to time.  To preserve the accounts of their service, the Library of Congress Oral Histories Program, in conjunction with the National Court Reporters Association, is saving the moving stories of many veterans, building a lasting legacy.

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The memories of these brave men and women are recorded and transcribed by court reporters and submitted to the Library of Congress for inclusion in its permanent collection, thus making their accounts part of the history of our country.

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Researchers and the general public will have access to the collections for academics, scholarship, publications, documentaries, genealogy research, and public interest.  They are also used by the Library in presentations, exhibitions, publications, and events to promote the program.  

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The veterans' biographical information can be viewed online as well as digitized versions of some of the interviews.  Non-digitized interviews can be viewed in person at the Library of Congress American Folklore Center in Washington, D.C.

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Many interviews have been conducted nationally and statewide.  Several local interviews have been conducted by the Guardian Angels and have been transcribed and submitted by Debbie Sabat, the Probate Court's court reporter:

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• Ronald Felts, U.S. Army, Vietnam War - Purple Heart, Silver Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry

• Joseph Poptic, U.S Marine Corps, World War II - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Three Bronze Stars, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal

• Donald Burchett, U.S. Army, Korean War - Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star

• James Werner, U.S. Army, World War II, Battle of Pearl Harbor - American Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with Three Bronze Battle Stars, Philippine Liberation Service Medal with Bronze Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal

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The accounts of Mr. Felts, Mr. Poptic, and Mr. Burchett have all been accepted into the Library of Congress.  Mr. Werner's interview is currently being submitted for inclusion. 

 

Please contact Debbie Sabat at (330) 675-2521 if you or someone you know have a story that should be recorded in our history.

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