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Providing A Chance For Soldiers To Tell Their Stories
November 14, 2007
For those of us who have family members who have served in the military, how much do we really know about their service? For instance, my grandfather served in World War I in France and was exposed to Mustard Gas. That’s about all I know of his military service. According to my dad, my grandfather never talked much about his experiences during the War and it’s too late to ask him, because he passed away when I was 6 years old. The Army Historical Foundation, however, is making possible for family members and the public to learn about a Soldier’s tour in the Army, through a new program their launching.
Soldiers and Veterans now have the opportunity to records details of the military service for their children and grandchildren, as well as future generations of the American public at the Registry of the American Soldier which is managed by the Army Historical Foundation, based in Arlington, Va.
Foundation officials are urging Veterans and Soldiers to share their stories and memories. The registry will be a fantastic way of preserving the Soldier’s and Veteran’s history. This information will also help to provide a more detailed look into the life of the American Soldier for many generations to come. The director of communications for the foundation, Retired Col. Dave Fabian, says that the organization wants this project to become a feature piece of the National Museum of the United States Army, which is due to be constructed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Those elgible can register through the historical founcation’s website. Spouses, parents, children and friends can also register Soldiers, including those who are deceased. Once the museum is built, there are plans for registry kiosks in the museum, where visitors and Soldiers can sign up.
“We have Army veterans signing up from 10 major wars and 178 campaigns throughout 232 years of the Army
Soldier’s and Veteran’s are encouraged to tell their story through personal anecdotes, stories and photographs. If a photo is included, there will be a processing fee. The foundation also has plans to include audio features and a locater service. Once completed, visitors will be able to plug in a Soldiers name and if they are listed in the registry, their history will come up. If they have recorded audio memories, they’ll also be able to hear that person’s voice.
This would be great for someone who is researching the military history of family members that they may not have met. Perhaps, a great grandparent, uncle or parent. I imagine that this will become a great research tool for family historians, who are searching for information about their family tree. I urge our Troops currently serving and our Veterans to record their military history. While it may not seem important right now. believe me, from experience, having this information on my grandfather would provide a new outlook on someone in my life, that I just barely remember.
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The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 11/140/2007 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day…
Terri again - Thank You! I forwarded this to all the Troops I know.
We appreciate all of your works
Thanks Twana. Just passing along the information that needs to get out there.