Veterans record their stories for future generations

World War II United States Navy veteran Leonard "Dutch" Curry talks of his experiences. Curry said he spent 19 months on a ship, and that he'd whiled away his free time playing table tennis. Curry was a Navy welder, and shared tales of some of his memories and thoughts on his service in the video.

By Lynn A. Wade

Nevada Daily Mail

A handful of area veterans gathered at the Vernon County Senior Center Monday afternoon. It was a time to rest and rejuvenate, swap stories and spend a little time with other veterans between a luncheon hosted by the Nevada Elks Lodge and the parade at 5 p.m.

Some of them took the time to make a video recording of their experiences as veterans, in a project taken on by Vernon County Senior Center Director Angie Daniels.

Following a list of questions provided by the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, Daniels conducted the interviews in a recreation room at the center.

Veterans talked of how and why they'd entered the military service, when they served, the branch of service, some experiences they had if they so desired. Veterans also were asked what life was like for them when they came back.

Daniels will perform some minor edits on the videos before submitting them to the Library of Congress; and eventually, local videos will be available for viewing online; but so far, there's no information available as to when that will occur.

It's an effort to preserve the stories of veterans for future generations, and veterans taking part on Monday appeared to enjoy the process.

Daniels said that the project will continue; veterans can stop by the center, 301 N. Main St., Nevada, on the third Friday of each month, from 2-4 p.m., to record their stories. Those who'd prefer a more private setting may contact Daniels to arrange an appointment in the setting of their choosing.

"I'd be more than happy to come to their home," she said, noting that at least one person already has expressed a desire to make a recording at their home.

For additional information or to make an appointment (not required for the third-Friday tapings) veterans should contact Daniels at the senior center, at (417) 667-5847.