Sec’y of State Jesse White Hosts “Preserving Their Memories”

 

A Celebration of the Illinois Veteran’s History Project

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White hosted a ceremony in Springfield commemorating the success of the Illinois Veterans’ History Project, an initiative begun by White to provide a permanent database of information on Illinois war veterans and civilians.

“In 2005, we created the Illinois Veterans’ History Project,” said White.  “Today, there are more than 6,000 names and stories from veterans and citizens who have submitted their stories to the project. The Illinois Veterans’ History Project provides a permanent home to honor our country and our veterans, and it also reminds us of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

White served as a paratrooper in the 101^st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, as a member of the Illinois National Guard and as a reservist.  Following the ceremony, he was interviewed and added his own memories to the Veterans’ History Project. 

The ceremony also recognized an ongoing partnership between the Veterans’ History Project, the Department of Illinois Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Illinois Court Reporters Association.  The DAV has arranged for veterans to be interviewed for the Project, and volunteer court reporters are recording and transcribing the interviews.

Approximately 100 veterans and six court reporters attended the ceremony.  White thanked James McDermott, Commander of the Department of Illinois DAV and Nancy LaBella, President of the Illinois Court Reporters Association for their members’ contributions to the success of the Veterans’ History Project.

Also taking part in the ceremony were members of the Macon County Honor Guard and the Glenwood High School Titan Fever Show Choir from Chatham.

For more information about the Illinois Veterans’ History Project, log on to http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/public/veteransproject.html. Interviews and written stories are stored in the Illinois Digital Archives at www.idaillinois.org.