Project Description:

For his Eagle Scout service project, Lucas Smith led a remarkable effort titled Veteran Memories, aimed at preserving the stories of veterans from major global conflicts, including World Wars I & II, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent conflicts such as the Iraq and Afghan Wars. Recognizing the urgency of documenting these veterans’ experiences as they age, Lucas partnered with the Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project to ensure that their voices and stories would not be lost to time.

Lucas aimed to collect 20 interviews with veterans through this project, capturing their unique perspectives and experiences. These stories were meticulously recorded and will be stored in the Library of Congress, where future generations can access them to learn about historical events directly from those who lived through them. The project also involved collecting memorabilia and letters that accompany the interviews.

Challenges and Execution:

Lucas’s project faced several challenges, including coordinating interview schedules with veterans and ensuring that all interviews adhered to COVID-19 protocols. Despite logistical issues, the project transitioned from a mostly virtual plan to in-person interviews, including some conducted in restaurant settings, where noise and atmosphere presented additional challenges.

Scouts participating in the project were trained in interviewing techniques and equipment handling, allowing them to successfully capture veterans’ stories. The final interviews were completed over multiple sessions, with Lucas ensuring that the stories were prepared and submitted for inclusion in the Veterans History Project.

Impact on the Beneficiary:

The Veterans History Project, a division of the Library of Congress, greatly benefited from Lucas’s efforts. His project added 20 unique stories to the national archive, preserving first-hand accounts of important military operations and conflicts. These stories will be available for historians, students, and the general public, offering invaluable insights into the lives and sacrifices of those who served.

By leading this project, Lucas contributed significantly to ensuring that the voices of veterans will continue to inspire and educate future generations, honoring their service and providing a deeper understanding of history through personal narratives.