I met Col. Patrick and it was really fun getting to talk to a fellow historian who understands the importance of a good interview.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Austin reception for the Veterans History Project
On Monday, Austin City Hall hosted the Veterans History Project reception. The director of the project, Colonel Bob Patrick, and Mayor Lee Leffingwell spoke about the importance of the project in preserving our national history. The involvement of the Red Cross in this project is resulting in a larger network of both veterans and volunteers who contribute to the archive in many ways.
I met Col. Patrick and it was really fun getting to talk to a fellow historian who understands the importance of a good interview.
I met Col. Patrick and it was really fun getting to talk to a fellow historian who understands the importance of a good interview.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Parting memories
A few days ago, I received a call from a friend of a veteran whose caller ID had me listed as a recent contact. She had fallen into a coma and would not be long on this earth. Yesterday, I delivered a commemorative DVD and archival materials to her family who are staying at her house. She is in Hospice and I requested a rush order to get the DVD through (thank you to everyone who helped).
It was difficult to explain to the family that the DVD was not for the veteran, but that I delivered it for her family. It is my hope that they will find the video comforting. Near the end of the visit I believe they understood the reason I was there. If there is one thing that would make me happier at a time like that, it would be to be able to listen to my loved one's voice one last time - maybe not at that exact moment, but at a later time when the feeling is not so fresh.
As I pulled away from the house I was sad that I would not talk to her again - we had been conversing through email - but I hope that I brought an outsider's perspective on the veteran's extensive and selfless service to what must be a troubling time for her family.
It was difficult to explain to the family that the DVD was not for the veteran, but that I delivered it for her family. It is my hope that they will find the video comforting. Near the end of the visit I believe they understood the reason I was there. If there is one thing that would make me happier at a time like that, it would be to be able to listen to my loved one's voice one last time - maybe not at that exact moment, but at a later time when the feeling is not so fresh.
As I pulled away from the house I was sad that I would not talk to her again - we had been conversing through email - but I hope that I brought an outsider's perspective on the veteran's extensive and selfless service to what must be a troubling time for her family.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
People I'm Sad I Can't Interview: "Mad Jack" Churchill
Wikipedia: "Mad Jack" Churchill
"In July 1943, as commanding officer, he led 2 Commando from their landing site at Catania in Sicily with his trademark Scottish broadsword slung around his waist and a longbow and arrows around his neck and his bagpipes under his arm."
"In July 1943, as commanding officer, he led 2 Commando from their landing site at Catania in Sicily with his trademark Scottish broadsword slung around his waist and a longbow and arrows around his neck and his bagpipes under his arm."
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