Respecting veterans through how we record our interviews
Also, introducing our series 4 veteran, Wesley
Interviewing veterans is a significant opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of historical events and experiences. But we know it’s crucial to approach these interviews with a deep respect for the veterans' personal boundaries and sensitivity to their potential emotional hardships. While their memories may be rich with a variety of experiences, it’s essential to recognize that some of these experiences may be deeply painful for them to revisit.
In conducting interviews with veterans, it is important to express genuine interest in their stories while also giving them the agency to choose what they are comfortable sharing. Their willingness to share their experiences should be met with a sense of understanding and empathy. Pressuring them to disclose certain memories can rekindle painful emotions and lead to distress.
Veterans have earned our respect and consideration for their sacrifices, and this extends to the way we approach interviewing them. Our interactions with them should reflect a balance between showing interest and providing them with the space to share what they are comfortable with. This approach not only preserves their dignity and emotional well-being but also allows for a more authentic and meaningful exchange of information.
As we seek to honor the contributions of veterans through interviews, it is essential to remember that their stories are valuable, but they should not come at the cost of their peace of mind. By engaging with veterans in a respectful and understanding manner, we can ensure that their narratives are heard and honored while preserving their emotional well-being.
Introducing Wesley L., veteran of World War II
Wesley interviewed with me in 2022, but a lot of his series will also be based of the manuscript he compiled and wrote in the 1990s.
After signing up for the Air Force Reserve Cadets, he was activated and caught up in the whirlwind of training and troop movements alongside many of his peers. He was assigned to a B-17 crew as a radio operator, and sent to Europe to fly missions over Germany.
We’ll dive into his story next week.
This week, for your viewing pleasure, I recommend “A Yank in the RAF,” starring Tyrone Power, Betty Grable, John Sutton, and Reginald Gardiner.
Tim Baker, played by Power, is an impulsive and naïve American pilot who, in a bid to impress his anglophile ex-girlfriend, joins the Royal Air Force to fight in the war, only to be confronted by the harsh realities of battle.