‘Memory Project’ claims disappearing Veterans’ history

VIDEO: Corporal Gerry O’Pray is interviewed on The Morning Show to discuss a nationwide bilingual project that creates a record of Canada’s participation in the Second World War and Korean War as seen through the eyes of thousands of veterans.

We always remember our veterans on Remembrance Day but there are many stories that get lost over time, and each year with every veteran we lose, a bit of history disappears.

The Memory Project is looking to change this situation by giving veterans an opportunity to share their memories through audio/oral interviews, digital photos and memorabilia.

On the project’s web site there are hundreds of stories told by both male and female veterans of the Korean War, World War I, World War II and peacekeeping missions. Each curated interview offers a variety of photos, digital artefacts, background information, transcription and an audio clip.

Founded in 2001, the Memory Project is a free nationwide bilingual educational initiative spearheaded by the Historica Canada, which is an independent organization dedicated to history and citizenship in Canada. The project also receives funding from Canadian Heritage.

Each story lets the visitor learn what it was like to be a serviceman or woman in one of the many conflicts Canada has been involved in over the years. Whether it’s an airman, torpedo operator, nurse or working in the records office casualty branch, a small part of history is captured and archived for anyone to consume.

Along with the recordings and memorabilia, the Memory Project also hosts a series of blogs called War in Words.

In conjunction with the online archive, the project also funds The Memory Project Speakers Bureau which gives veterans and currently serving Canadian Forces members an opportunity to share their stories of military service. The speakers bureau has more than 1,500 volunteers from across Canada who visit classrooms, community groups online or in person. Currently, the program has reached more than 1.4 million Canadians.