Veterans Day parades come and go. A more lasting option for honoring the veteran in your life is to record an audio memoir of their life and service. Whether your loved one saw combat or served in peacetime, every veteran has a story to tell. Many would love to share their experiences. An audio memoir preserves their history and also the sound of their voice.
Make sure your loved one is open to talking about their military past. If not, let the idea go. If yes, make a date and plan a quiet environment for your conversation. Ideally, somewhere you can both feel relaxed. For recording, you can use your phone, a special app, or other recording device.
Prepare your questions beforehand. Invite your relative to bring along photographs or keepsakes to spark memories (you might bring some too). Ask them for basic details first, such as their dates of service, rank or role, where they served, and even why they joined. From there, use open-ended questions that allow your family member to tell the stories they are comfortable sharing. Ask about any friends they made and places they went. Maybe ask what life was like in the barracks and what it was like after their military service. Be encouraging and curious but avoid prying, keeping your opinions to yourself. Most important, be an active listener by asking questions and staying engaged. You may even want to have several recording sessions so your loved one has time to reflect.
Want to share your loved one’s audio memoir? With your relative’s permission, you might post it on social media or as a blog for friends and family to hear. You might also join a national project: The Library of Congress, The Veterans Writing Project, StoryCorps, and other organizations that collect veterans’ stories. Audio memoirs are a way to preserve and honor the service and sacrifices of veterans for current and future generations.
Do you have an older veteran in your life?
Learn more about our We Honor Veterans program! We stay abreast of the resources that are available to assist those who served, and we can help ensure the quality of life they deserve. Give us a call at 302-478-5707 to learn more.
