Week 6 - Bridging the Gap

In continuing to work on the task I have been assigned over the past few weeks, I am pleased to share that I am nearing completion of the biographies for the individuals assigned to me. It has been an engaging journey to delve into the lives of these remarkable men - however, there are still a few outstanding cases where I have encountered limited available data in the Google Drive. To gather sources and work on their biographies, I have expanded my research efforts to include additional repositories such as Ancestry and the National Archives.

Exploring these extensive databases has proven to be an invaluable resource, providing me with a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of these veterans. It has also allowed me to verify certain details and make the necessary final determinations for those individuals with insufficient information in the Google Drive; further adding to my historical toolkit, in terms of individual research.

During our team meeting this week, the upcoming VLP Story Day schedule was brought to everyone's attention, as well as the prospect of engaging in oral history interviews with veterans. I must admit, the thought of being involved in this venture is incredibly exciting to me. It presents a unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of those involved with some of America's most important conflicts.

Participating in the interview process would not only allow me to enhance my knowledge of historical events but also foster a personal connection with the veterans themselves. Their stories hold immense value and can provide invaluable insights into the experiences, emotions, and challenges they faced during their service. I am eager to learn more about the interview protocols and techniques employed in oral history, as well as to contribute to the preservation and documentation of these important narratives.

By conducting these interviews, we have the opportunity to bridge the gap between past and present, connecting the younger generations with the sacrifices and triumphs of those who have served in the military. Intimate, firsthand accounts are one of public history's best tools, and work well at creating empathy and understanding by adding a more human element to things that are often taught over paper.

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