Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress

Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress VHP helps preserve the memories of the veterans in your life and community at the Library of Congress

The Veterans History Project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of US veterans so that future generations may hear directly from them and better understand the realities of their selfless service. Built through the voluntary participation of individuals and organizations, around the country, interviewing veterans and gathering their first-person recollections, the arch

ive holds over 120,000 stories and grows daily. If you are looking for more information about the Library of Congress, please visit http://www.loc.gov/

To view our comment and posting policy, visit https://www.loc.gov/legal/comment-and-posting-policy/

“D-Day”: a military term for the day set for a planned attack, and synonymous with the most famous invasion of World War...
06/08/2026

“D-Day”: a military term for the day set for a planned attack, and synonymous with the most famous invasion of World War II, when more than 150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France.

For those who participated, D-Day was more than a historic event. It was a day for which they endured years of training and traveled thousands of miles; a day during which they witnessed horrific carnage, lost friends, and persevered against tremendous odds; a day which set the scene for even greater challenges to come.

This Story Map, produced by the Veterans History Project (VHP), explores the stories of four men who arrived in Normandy on June 6, 1944: Preston Earl Bagent, a combat engineer; Robert "Bob" Harlan Horr, a glider pilot; Edward Duncan Cameron, a rifleman; and John William "Bill" Boehne, III, a sailor.

Learn more: https://www.loc.gov/ghe/cascade/index.html?appid=c88d73171ff945d2a7538507b899bda6&bookmark=Introduction

06/06/2026

In 1944 on this day, June 6, over 150,000 soldiers like PFC Edward Cameron were stepping onto a beach in Normandy. Cameron was so affected by the sights, smells and sounds that began the liberation of Western Europe from N**i occupation, he wrote a poem about it entitled “D-Day”. In stanzas 8 to 11, he talks about the air reeking of death, the water dyed red, soldiers praying for their comrades and the graveyard of a beach.

You can better understand what these brave troops experienced by reading the whole poem, as well as Cameron’s diary and letters, in VHP’s “D-Day: On the Beach” online exhibit of veteran collections. https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/serving-our-voices/world-war-ii/d-day-june-6-1944/d-day-on-the-beach/?st=gallery

VHP staff recently finished digitizing William Schmitt’s collection, including a 12-page memoir, 23 illustrated V-Mail l...
06/05/2026

VHP staff recently finished digitizing William Schmitt’s collection, including a 12-page memoir, 23 illustrated V-Mail letters, 47 photographs and a whopping 205 illustrated envelopes! Schmitt served in the Army during WWII, during which time he wrote 185 letters to his sweetheart, Miss Helen Wickenhauser. William and Helen were married soon after in 1946. Check out Schmitt’s digitized collection here: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.116589/ Have a large collection of items to donate? We would love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected].

06/04/2026

VHP staff visited Eastern Oklahoma a couple weeks ago to celebrate the launch of a special Library of Congress collaboration with the Eastern Oklahoma Library System . As part of that launch, the Muskogee Public Library staff welcomed VHP with a beautiful display of community veteran materials that they mixed with VHP handouts. Thanks to the Muskogee Public Library Local History and Genealogy Department for sharing veteran stories! We hope to include more of your local Oklahoman veterans in our archive soon.

Find out more about the Library of Congress’ collaboration with Eastern Oklahoma Library System herehttps://newsroom.loc.gov/news/library-of-congress-partners-with-eastern-oklahoma-library-system-to-create-digital-experience-with-/s/e24db437-6309-43f0-9ae7-e5e0123c33ff

06/03/2026

Cecilia Miller was 16 years old when she first attempted to join the military. Her mother refused to sign the consent forms. Cecilia tried again at 18. Her mother still wouldn’t consent. Cecilia inquired about joining when she was 31, but she was concerned about childcare for her two young sons. Finally, she received a recruitment letter in 1990, and Cecilia was accepted into the Army Nurse Corps at 46 years old. Captain Miller spent four and a half years serving at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and received the Army Achievement Medal for mentoring four young Army nurses. Listen to Cecilia’s full story here: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.34974/

“The Beginning… Every great event has to have a starting point. As for me, my military career began when I enlisted in t...
06/02/2026

“The Beginning… Every great event has to have a starting point. As for me, my military career began when I enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard on January 10, 1949…”

What began as a walk to an armory in Anadarko, Oklahoma turned into more than 41 years of military service. From a young Guardsman to Colonel, with a career that spanned Korea, Vietnam and beyond.

The collection includes not only his written memoir, but also his own sketches. It features soldiers digging trenches in Vietnam, walking through snow in Korea and training at Fort Polk—small, personal snapshots of military life as he saw it.

A life remembered not just in words, but in drawings and experience. Learn more at https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.130335/

Franklin E. Kameny was a World War II veteran who served in the 58th Armored Infantry Battalion in the European Theater ...
06/01/2026

Franklin E. Kameny was a World War II veteran who served in the 58th Armored Infantry Battalion in the European Theater before earning a doctorate in astronomy and entering federal civil service with the Army Map Service.

In his oral history for VHP, he recalled his commitment to fairness: “I was going to do…what I could to see to it that gay people here in Washington got a square deal.” That idea became a driving force in everything he did afterward.

After being dismissed from federal service, he refused to accept it quietly, challenging the decision and spending years helping others fight similar battles in government employment.

He later helped found the Mattachine Society of Washington and became one of the key early voices pushing for change in federal policy and workplace equality.

https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/serving-our-voices/diverse-experiences-in-service/lgbtq-veterans/item/afc2001001.05208/

100-year-old Staff Sergeant Horace Dawson, Jr. came to the Library of Congress in May to be interviewed. This D.C. local...
05/31/2026

100-year-old Staff Sergeant Horace Dawson, Jr. came to the Library of Congress in May to be interviewed. This D.C. local’s service during WWII was a story of “almosts”. Dawson was sent to England, only for the war to end before being sent to France. He later boarded a ship to Japan, which was rerouted when the atomic bomb was dropped.

After leaving the Army, Dawson’s civilian career as a teacher, advocate for African American education, and member of the US Foreign Service proved to be challenging and fulfilling. Thanks to Washington DC Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs for recommending Mr. Dawson share his story with the Veterans History Project!

We were delighted to welcome members of Dog Tag Bakery and participants in the Dog Tag Fellowship Program to the Veteran...
05/30/2026

We were delighted to welcome members of Dog Tag Bakery and participants in the Dog Tag Fellowship Program to the Veterans History Project last week!

The Fellowship Program supports veterans, military spouses and caregivers as they transition from military service to civilian life by helping them build skills, community and a renewed sense of purpose.

During the visit, a group gathered in front of the Women Veterans banner for a photo opportunity, including four women veterans and a very enthusiastic four legged guest. The moment captured a lot of joy and pride, with plenty of flexed muscles and smiles to match.

Women have served in every major American conflict and continue to bring strength, leadership and determination to military service today. Their stories are an important part of the Veterans History Project collection Women of Five Wars.

Explore more stories of women in service
https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/serving-our-voices/diverse-experiences-in-service/women-of-five-wars/

There is something special about watching veterans sit across from each other, ask thoughtful questions and bring these ...
05/29/2026

There is something special about watching veterans sit across from each other, ask thoughtful questions and bring these stories to life for future generations.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America visited the Library of Congress for a Veterans History Project oral history interview, where IAVA Cavalry member Jonathan H. Tennis interviewed IAVA Director of Membership Jerritt Lynn as he shared his story of service.

Moments like this are a reminder of how powerful it is when veterans take the time to record their own stories in their own words.

We are so grateful to Jonathan and Jerritt for taking the time to share and add another voice to the Veterans History Project!

Learn more about how you can participate at loc.gov/vets

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