Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are congratulating the contributions of Idaho veterans and the Idaho Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa on reaching a historic milestone-recording the 500th veterans' history for the Idaho Veterans History Project. Crapo and Risch have participated in the recording of veterans' histories for inclusion into the National Library of Congress. The National Veterans History Project seeks to preserve the stories of America's veterans for future generations.
The Idaho Warhawk Air Museum was honored in Washington, D.C. by the Library of Congress in presenting the Museum's 500th Veterans History Project interview film. Crapo and Risch were in Idaho during the Easter state work period but they sent representatives to join with Sue Paul and Barry Hill of the Warhawk Air Museum to attend the honor ceremonies at the Library of Congress' Folk Life Center.
In congratulating the Warhawk Air Museum for its achievement, Crapo and Risch continue to urge all Idahoans to help record the wartime and service histories of our veterans. The Idaho Senators introduced S. Res. 340, which passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent.
The Resolution asks the Senate to designate a week where Americans can promote the recording of the stories of veterans' service during U.S. conflicts. The National Veterans History Project is serving as a clearinghouse for recorded histories that include videotapes, audiotapes, manuscripts and other items.
"Future generations of Americans will remember the service and sacrifice our brave veterans have made because of these documented veterans' histories," Crapo said. "Many of our World War II veterans are advancing in age; we must continue to gather their memories. I have personally recorded the histories of Idaho veterans and I salute the Warhawk Air Museum, the Idaho Historical Society, Idaho veterans groups and others for their partnership in documenting the efforts of our veterans."
"The Veterans History Project will preserve the accounts of the brave men and women who served our country. It is critical for the next generation to understand that freedom often requires sacrifice, and who better to tell that story than those who have lived through it.," said Risch. "Recently a World War II veteran stopped by my office and shared his stories of storming the beach at Normandy and of fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. It was an honor to hear his story and this project provides a way to make sure our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have that same opportunity."
"The Warhawk Air Museum Veteran History Project Program is one of the most important aspects of the museum," said Sue Paul, Executive Director of the Warhawk Air Museum. "The dedication of museum volunteers and the trust of the veterans whose history we are preserving, have allowed us to become one of the most successful programs in the country. It was a great honor to present our 500th filmed interview to the National Veterans History Project Director in Washington, D.C., and we look forward to presenting the 1000th filmed history in the near future."
More information about the National Veterans History Project is available on the Internet at http://www.loc.gov/vets/vets-home.html or the Warhawk Air Museum at www.warhawkairmuseum.org.
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