Making History Project – Veteran Oral History Preserving Veterans’ Stories

Below is a heartwarming message received this week from a donor to the Making History Project. This message is so perfectly timed and I need not say anything else: I’m 82. I remember the war. This donation isn’t much, but it is from my heart. To the veterans—Thank you for a good life. Thank you for your bravery and sufferings. …

Read More »

Yesterday, I learned of the passing of a Veteran that I met while doing my oral history work. His name is Cliff Treese, a US Marine who served in Vietnam. He was badly injured during his service but he did not let that injury limit or define him. Cliff was active with helping fellow Veterans and I bought one of …

Read More »

The details for the upcoming 2018 Reunion for the Family and Friends of the 508 Parachute Infantry Regiment were recently released. The annual reunion that honors the legacy of the Veterans for the 82nd Airborne is in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The dates for the reunion are October 31, 2018, to November 4, 2018. This year’s reunion marks the 50th …

Read More »

August 10, 2018, is the 95th birthday for Kenneth “Rock” Merritt. Rock Merritt is a true hero having jumped into Normandy, France on D-Day as a member of the 82nd Airborne. One of my first oral history interviews was with Rock at a picnic table in La Fiere during the 70th Anniversary for the D-Day landings. To this day, Rock …

Read More »

The Florida Veterans Support Line is now online and available statewide. This VA funded project provides assistance to Veterans and guidance as to community based programs. Veterans that need help adjusting or transitioning to civilian life can obtain help and direction from a fellow Veteran. Prominent services include crisis and suicide prevention, substance abuse help, mental health, disability assistance, health …

Read More »

With some extra time this summer, I am starting to catch-up and add some photos to the WWII Photo Gallery from past trips. As it now stands, there are 21 individual galleries with 368 photos in total. These photos are from events that the Making History Project attended, including trips to Normandy, France as well as WWII Veteran reunions. The …

Read More »

Normandy Where it All Began It is hard to imagine but it has been eight years since my first trip to Normandy France for D-Day. Today represents the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. All told, I have been in Normandy three times and it never gets old. To be in the presence of greatness and at the …

Read More »

We are seeking, in conjunction with a local French organization, World War II Veterans who served in Normandy who would like to return to Normandy for the annual D-Day commemorations during the first week of June. In order to qualify, the Veteran must be able to provide proof of service in Normandy during World War II, which normally can be …

Read More »