A ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, will induct 35 U.S. military veterans into Fresno State’s Central California War Veterans Oral History Project in the South Wing of the Henry Madden Library.
Stories of San Joaquin Valley residents who served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and in Panama, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan were recorded this semester by 17 students under the direction of Dr. Gary Rice, a mass communication and journalism professor. Rice has directed the project since it started in spring 2010.
They will be among more than 250 veterans whose oral histories are preserved in a permanent special collection at Madden Library, available to scholars, researchers, historians and the public. Rice’s students followed national guidelines and standards for oral histories.
“Once again the project was a success, giving veterans a chance to tell their stories – many for the first time – and giving our students the opportunity to learn history from the people who made it,” Rice said. “This ceremony brings together the students and veterans with poignant recollections, plenty of laughter, a few tears and some sincere exchanges of gratitude.”
For more information, contact Rice at 559.278.2026.
[nggallery id=18]
