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SPECIAL DAYS:
MCL 680/KIWANIS PURPLE HEART TRAIL BBQ FUND RAISER, APRIL 10, 2010
CHANGE OF COMMAND MEETING, JANUARY 12, 2010
MARINE BIRTHDAY BALL - NOVEMBER 7, 2009
July 4,
2009 Parade in Cayucos:
MEMORIAL DAY @
LOS OSOS VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK:
May 25, 2009
MEMORIAL DAY @
ATASCADERO VETERANS MEMORIAL:
May 25, 2009
Capturing the Memories of America’s Veterans Eighty-three year old Wilbern “Bud” Oliver shifted in his chair and gazed through us as he recounted memories of his World War II service in Okinawa at age 17. He spoke of common annoyances such as trying to break blocks of freeze-dried K-ration cheese and not being able to shave. “I don’t think we ever changed our clothes—we just went into the ocean.” He then shared details about one of their worst days. While sheltered behind a collapsed silo, they watched a typhoon snap a concrete ship in two and wash ashore an entire destroyer. Finally, he told about his discharge: the enormous lines of servicemen crowding the San Pedro food lines; surprising his parents upon his return and going to a party that evening where he met Shirley, the girl he married and with whom he eventually raised five children. It was one of those times you wished you had on DVD. Better yet, it was on DVD. One copy went home with Bud and the other was forwarded to the Library of Congress. Joanne Cargill, a volunteer for the Veterans History Project, has been conducting these interviews since 2003, and Bud was her 87th interviewee. “They feel a little better after they’ve talked about it. Not only did we get their story and get it to the National Archives, but it helps them. It’s cathartic,” says Cargill. Every veteran has a story. But many of them have never fully shared it with anyone—not even their family. The Veterans History
Project—preserving memories Started by the United States Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project collects and preserves first-hand accounts and stories of wartime service, from veterans nationwide. War industry workers, United Service Organizations (USO) workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers and others actively involved with war efforts are also invited to share their stories. To read some of these stories, visit www.loc.gov/vets/.
Although all veteran histories are welcomed, priority is given to WWII veterans and those involved with the WWII war effort. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that U.S. veterans of World War II are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 per day. This project ensures that valuable pieces of our nation’s history and family histories aren’t lost. If you know a family member, neighbor or friend who is a veteran, urge them to call the San Luis Obispo Veterans Museum now to participate in the Veterans History Project. Because many veterans are living alone or are somewhat isolated due to disabilities, your encouragement could be just the incentive it takes for them to share their story. A visit to the museum might also enhance their emotional well being and provide them with a social network. If you would like to arrange for an interview please call the Veterans Museum at 543.1763. We need your story. There are currently a number of video interviews available
for viewing at the museum by prior arrangement, please call 805-543-1763 for
information. 
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