I started saving and preserving veteran stories 10 years ago. It started with the perfect storm of interests: a love of history, the enjoyment in listening to people's stories, strong patriotism and an awe and respect for what these men and women have done and continue to do. I had just read Tom Brokaw's book "The Greatest Generation" and then heard about the Library of Congress Veteran's History Project. I thought, "why not try and do something on the local level?", so I went out and bought a video camera, contacted veterans groups and started interviewing veterans. It has been a very fulfilling and fascinating project. I initially started out interviewing World War II veterans simply because the clock is ticking with this group, but want and will interview any veteran. The main objective in my mind is to make sure their story is down on permanent record for them and their families to always have. A second objective (only with their permission) is to donate a copy to the local library or museum, as well as such places as the Library of Congress and the National World War II Museum so that present and future generations will know and honor these stories as well. In doing these interviews, I have tried to go after the human experience and perspective. Having this adds an additional dimension to the facts and figures we already have. I simply believe these stories are an important part of history that need to be saved before they are lost forever. - Brad Hoopes Northern Colorado Veteran History Project 2009 Community Civic Service Award by Group Publishing Channel 7 Everyday Hero Award 2014 Partner of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project Charter Member and Supporter of the National WWII Museum Veterans Plaza of N. Colorado Committee Member Volunteer/guardian with the N. Colorado Honor Flight DVD copies of interviews done have been donated to and can be found in the following institutions: Library of Congress Veterans History Project, Washington National World War II Museum, New Orleans, LA Library of the Marine Corps, Quantico, VA Alamo Scouts Museum, San Antontio, TX Colorado State University Morgan Library Loveland Museum - Loveland, CO Fort Collins Museum - Fort Collins, CO Clearview Library - Windsor, CO High Plains Library - Greeley, CO Fort Morgan Military Museum - Fort Morgan, CO Haverhill Public Library - Haverhill, MA Estes Valley Library - Estes Park, CO 10th Mountain Division Resource Center - Denver, CO Berthoud Community Library, Berthoud, CO |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ABOUT US |
