Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress

Franklin E. Kameny was a World War II veteran who served in the 58th Armored Infantry Battalion in the European Theater before earning a doctorate in astronomy and entering federal civil service with the Army Map Service.

In his oral history for VHP, he recalled his commitment to fairness: “I was going to do…what I could to see to it that gay people here in Washington got a square deal.” That idea became a driving force in everything he did afterward.

After being dismissed from federal service, he refused to accept it quietly, challenging the decision and spending years helping others fight similar battles in government employment.

He later helped found the Mattachine Society of Washington and became one of the key early voices pushing for change in federal policy and workplace equality.

https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/serving-our-voices/diverse-experiences-in-service/lgbtq-veterans/item/afc2001001.05208/

100-year-old Staff Sergeant Horace Dawson, Jr. came to the Library of Congress in May to be interviewed. This D.C. local’s service during WWII was a story of “almosts”. Dawson was sent to England, only for the war to end before being sent to France. He later boarded a ship to Japan, which was rerouted when the atomic bomb was dropped.

After leaving the Army, Dawson’s civilian career as a teacher, advocate for African American education, and member of the US Foreign Service proved to be challenging and fulfilling. Thanks to Washington DC Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs for recommending Mr. Dawson share his story with the Veterans History Project!

We were delighted to welcome members of Dog Tag Bakery and participants in the Dog Tag Fellowship Program to the Veterans History Project last week!

The Fellowship Program supports veterans, military spouses and caregivers as they transition from military service to civilian life by helping them build skills, community and a renewed sense of purpose.

During the visit, a group gathered in front of the Women Veterans banner for a photo opportunity, including four women veterans and a very enthusiastic four legged guest. The moment captured a lot of joy and pride, with plenty of flexed muscles and smiles to match.

Women have served in every major American conflict and continue to bring strength, leadership and determination to military service today. Their stories are an important part of the Veterans History Project collection Women of Five Wars.

Explore more stories of women in service
https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/serving-our-voices/diverse-experiences-in-service/women-of-five-wars/

There is something special about watching veterans sit across from each other, ask thoughtful questions and bring these stories to life for future generations.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America visited the Library of Congress for a Veterans History Project oral history interview, where IAVA Cavalry member Jonathan H. Tennis interviewed IAVA Director of Membership Jerritt Lynn as he shared his story of service.

Moments like this are a reminder of how powerful it is when veterans take the time to record their own stories in their own words.

We are so grateful to Jonathan and Jerritt for taking the time to share and add another voice to the Veterans History Project!

Learn more about how you can participate at loc.gov/vets

New VHP staff member Miranda Madro is a librarian with a passion to put stories into the hands of those who might benefit from hearing them. As her first big project on the job, Miranda created an online exhibit called “The Borinqueneers: A Puerto Rican Regiment” to highlight the voices of Puerto Rican, Spanish-speaking soldiers who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. In a Folklife Today blog post, she describes the project and introduces some of the veterans included in the exhibit. Check out the blog post here: https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2026/05/puerto-rican-voices-from-the-veterans-history-projects-newest-online-exhibit

Two World War I veterans who never knew each other in life are now forever connected through their families and their stories.

Arthur Singleton and Jessie Lockett both served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France in 1918. Years later, their families were united through marriage, and in 2024 their shared granddaughter donated their manuscripts to the Veterans History Project.

These collections are the first in VHP from African American World War I veterans and include letters, journals and photographs that reveal both the hardship and humanity of their service.

Singleton’s journal shows a leader who built community within his unit through literary societies, performances and brotherhood, even while facing racism and segregation during the war. Lockett’s letters home tell a deeply personal story of love and separation as he writes to his wife about life away from their Georgia farm.

Explore their stories:
Arthur Singleton Collection: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.12345/
Jessie Lockett Collection: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.67890/

Together, their voices remind us that history is preserved not only in official records but in family stories passed down across generations.

What if you could hear history in the voices of the people who lived it?

For 25 years, the Veterans History Project has preserved the firsthand stories of veterans through letters, diaries, photographs and oral histories that capture moments of courage, sacrifice and everyday life during wartime.

Now, those stories are helping inspire a new generation through The Source, the Library of Congress’ new interactive gallery for young researchers. Visitors can explore real veterans’ stories, listen to personal recordings and discover how history comes alive through primary sources.

From emotional audio letters sent home during Vietnam to stories of trailblazing women in the military, this new blog post highlights the lasting impact of preserving veterans’ voices for future generations.

https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2026/05/the-veterans-history-project-our-favorite-sources-in-the-source/

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Many people also wonder about the difference between Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day - and understanding each one helps us better honor those who serve and have served.

In this thoughtful guest blog post, Candy Martin reflects on the meaning behind these important observances and why they matter so deeply to so many families across America.

As we gather with loved ones this weekend, let’s also take a moment to remember the heroes who gave everything for our freedom.

Read more here: https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2021/05/there-is-a-difference/

Have you heard of the Borinqueneers?

This primarily Puerto Rican, Spanish-speaking regiment is the topic of VHP’s latest online exhibit. The 65th Infantry Regiment was nicknamed the “Borinqueneers” after the indigenous name for Puerto Rico. The regiment participated in WWI and WWII, and further distinguished themselves as organized, well-trained and reliable during the Korean War. The 12 veterans chosen for the online exhibit discuss the harsh conditions the soldiers faced with dignity, including winter weather, racism and historical erasure in their oral history recordings. Take a look at “The Borinqueneers: A Puerto Rican Regiment” online exhibit at https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/serving-our-voices/diverse-experiences-in-service/the-borinqueneers-a-puerto-rican-regiment/