"A date which will live in infamy"

Today marks the 68th anniversary of America’s entry into World War II. The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association is an organization that remembers those who served at Pearl Harbor. In honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, take a peek at their website for personal accounts, photos, and other information about this “date which will live in infamy.”

Veterans History Project: A National Effort

Yesterday, U.S. Representative Travis Childers of Mississippi visited a high school in Columbus, MS to encourage students to participate in the Veterans History Project, a national program seeking to preserve veterans’ memories. Have any WWII memories or know a vet? Here’s more info on how to get involved in the project.

Oral History Tips

The mission of The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is to tell the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world -- why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today -- so that all generations will understand the price of peace and be inspired by what they learn.

What better way to accomplish that than through the words of the men and women who were there?

The museum's oral history project seeks to preserve the memories of the Greatest Generation. We've given you some helpful questions to ask. Here are some other helpful tips:

* Don't feel you need high-tech equipment to record an oral history.

* Before you start, make sure you're in a quiet location where you won't be distracted. Don't forget to turn off the telephone.

* Remember to note your subject's name, the recording date and location on the tape. It's a good idea to say it at the start of the recording.

* Keep an eye on your equipment. The worst thing is to lose valuable components of a story because of a malfunction.

Nine Ice Breakers

Interviewing WWII veterans can sometimes feel awkward. Potential interviewers often balk, thinking: "What should I ask?" or "How do I start?" The National World War II Museum's historians offer a list of good questions designed to get a conversation going. Here are nine starting points:

* What were you doing before the War? Were you married or single?
* Where were you when you heard about Pearl Harbor?
* Did you enlist or were you drafted?
* When and where did you enter service? What branch?
* Where was your basic training? Describe what it was like.
* How did you feel knowing you were preparing to go off to war?
* When did you deploy overseas?
* What theater of operations were you in?
* What were your initial thoughts after landing on foreign soil for the first time?

Check back soon. We'll be posting more interview tips and guidelines from the National WWII Museum soon.

Hollywood Can Help

Tom Hanks has thrown his weight behind a new WWII production on the story of the Greatest Generation's fight in WWII to be shown at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Efforts by high-profile celebrities like Hanks can help in the Museum's oral history project. Check them out.