(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As Memorial Day approaches, Senator Jon Tester is launching an effort to help Montana veterans preserve firsthand stories of their service for future generations.

Tester teamed up with Montana Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger to announce the Veterans History Project, a nationwide initiative to record, collect and preserve in the Library of Congress the personal stories of America’s veterans.

“We live in a free America thanks to veterans who stormed beaches, raised flags and faced down tyrants,” said Tester, Montana’s only member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  “Their stories are part of America’s history, and we should never forget them.  This project is about making sure our kids and grandkids can hear directly from America’s heroes and better understand the price paid for freedom.”

“There is no better way for current and future Montanans to learn the sacrifice that veterans have made for this country than to hear it firsthand,” said Bohlinger, a Marine Corps veteran.  “The Veterans History Project is an ideal project for families, it’s easy to do, and it’s important to the story of our great nation.”

The Veterans History Project also accepts personal accounts from civilians who assisted in wartime efforts.

Tester touted the project as a valuable opportunity for veterans service organizations, families of veterans, and scouts looking to earn badges.

Information on how to participate in the effort is available at: tester.senate.gov/history.  To submit a recording to the Veterans History Project, participants can:

• Print a field kit,
• Make an audio or video recording of their interview with a veteran,
• Send their recording to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
  

Aside from postage, participation in the Veterans History Project is free.

Tester and Bohlinger today released a Public Service Announcement to spread the word to Montanans about the Veterans History Project.  The 30-second PSA is available HERE.

Printed brochures about the Veterans History Project project are available in all of Tester’s Montana field offices.