Introducing "Preserving Valor"
Telling the Stories of our Nation's Veterans
Preserving Valor: Honoring Our Nation's Protectors
Welcome to "Preserving Valor," a sincere tribute to the courageous individuals who have worn the uniform and served our nation with honor and dedication. This initiative is about more than just recounting history; it's about preserving the personal stories of real veterans, painting a vivid picture of their resilience, sacrifices, and spirit. Each narrative is a testament to the strength of these veterans, providing an invaluable record for their families and acting as a poignant reminder of the human side of warfare for our nation.
Join us on this remarkable journey as we delve into these impactful narratives, ensuring that their valor continues to inspire generations to come.
Why write about veteran history?
My name is Jay Vissers. I’m a small-town journalist and editor. I’ve never served in the military, but I have family who have, with distinction and honor. I have deep respect for the sacrifice that is made when someone leaves the familiar in order to protect it.
Regrettably, amidst the tide of violence, upheaval, and rebuilding, the narratives of individuals often fade into obscurity. Coupled with the reluctance of many veterans to recount their more harrowing circumstances, we are left with a superficial overview of war, conflict, and vigilance that fails to acknowledge the nuanced and long-lasting aspects of duty and sacrifice.
Through "Preserving Valor," my intention is to intertwine our history with the unique and personal narratives of veterans. By conducting individual interviews, utilizing a set of thoughtful questions crafted by the Veterans History Project, the objective is to construct a vivid mosaic of experiences, emotions, and profound reflections from those who have served.
In these interviews, I aim to provide veterans with a platform to share their stories and preserve their legacy of dedication and bravery in the Library of Congress. I offer this service to veterans at no cost, as a token of appreciation for their years of service.
With permission, I will craft their story into a narrative to share with the public. My aim is to provide a profound understanding of the veteran experience, delving beyond cinematic depictions of battles and historical accounts of generals.
Joseph Enrietti: To Make a Long Story Short
The first veteran whose story we’ll experience is that of Joe Enrietti, who served as the tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator during WWII, flying over Europe. He was the first veteran I had the privilege of interviewing for this project and his story played a crucial role in initiating it. His story now resides in the Library of Congress, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
How to experience and support “Preserving Valor”
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