The American Red Cross serving Central and Southwest Oklahoma, U.S. Sen. James Lankford and the National Society of Colonial Dames of America partnered for an interview event on Wednesday where veterans shared their stories for future generations through the Veterans History Project. 

The Red Cross has supported the Veterans History Project for several years, but this is the first time the region has hosted an all-day interview event. Typically, volunteer teams visit veterans where they are, recording individual stories. More than a dozen veterans sat down for interviews with volunteers at All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City.

“Conducting these interviews and preserving veterans’ stories are part of the Red Cross’ unwavering commitment to members of the military, veterans and their families,” said Amanda English, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Regional Program Manager. “This is the first time we’ve tried to bring veterans and volunteers together in one place for a day of interviews, and we’re overwhelmed with the positive response. Thank you to Sen. Lankford and NSCDA Oklahoma for joining the Red Cross as sponsors for the event.”

Veterans were encouraged to sign up for interview times starting in December. Not only were all time slots filled, but a few veterans also walked in on Wednesday to be interviewed.

“My office has proudly helped coordinate opportunities for Oklahoma veterans to personally share their stories of service on video with the Veterans History Project. It was a powerful and moving experience for our team, the veterans, and their families. I look forward to giving even more Oklahoma veterans the opportunity to tell their stories of service to our nation so future generations can remember their unique contributions to preserve and protect our freedom,” said Lankford.

Veterans are free to speak about whatever they choose, as long as it includes personal accounts of their military service. These interviews are unedited and uncensored, so their words go into the historical record exactly as they said them. Trained volunteers record the interviews to video, and copies go to the Library of Congress and to the veteran who was interviewed.

The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service.

The Red Cross of Oklahoma plans to schedule additional interview events for the Veterans History Project throughout 2024.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.