With Memorial Day upon us, I am reminded that we have already lost so many members of the World War II generation. Their sacrifices, both at home and on the fields of battle, should be honored and appreciated. Each member of this generation had stories—tales of triumph on the shores of Normandy, tragedy at Pearl Harbor, weariness and loss in the both Europe and the Southeast Asian Theatre, or sacrifice on the home front. Each of those stories is worthy of preservation.
As important as it is to record the stories of the “greatest generation” while we still can, it is just one modern era that still needs to be preserved through oral history. Those who served during the Korean War, Vietnam War—all conflicts big and small—also must have their stories recorded. And yet, so few have been.
Too often, the stories from those who served are not readily forthcoming. Too often, we hear, “My father never talks about it,” or “My aunt has never said much about that time.” But have you asked? Have you tried to get them to talk about it? Sometimes all it takes is a polite request, showing interest in their experiences, and asking to hear their stories.
We all know Winston Churchill’s warning: “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” It is vital, especially in the turbulent times in which we live now, for us to understand the past. While we can glean facts from history books, oral history—the actual experiences of those who lived through it—can provide an even greater insight into how national and global issues affect the lives of individuals. A vague, distant concept of history becomes clearer when it is viewed through the eyes of a real person.
I encourage you to take the time. Ask to hear the stories. Make the effort to record them. Then the stories, the experiences, the sacrifices will be available so future generations can learn history from those who lived it.