THIBODAUX – Veterans of the United States Armed Forces who reside in southeast Louisiana are invited to contribute their stories to an oral history project at Nicholls State University.
Spearheaded by Neil Guilbeau, assistant archivist at Ellender Memorial Library, “Veterans of Southeast Louisiana: An Oral History” has already attracted approximately 70 veterans willing to share their memories and perspectives, from World War II to the present.
“This project affords a unique opportunity to look at the recent and remote past, both locally and globally, through the eyes of those who witnessed events worthy of a second look,” Guilbeau said. “Aside from this collection’s value as a history source, my intention is not to glorify war, but to honor those who answered the call to defend our nation and its interests since the mid 20th century. While patriotic in its overall tone, this collection, first and foremost, seeks to portray the lives of individuals rather than political ideologies.”
Guilbeau said the collection will eventually be available for public viewing and research, not only in the Nicholls archives, but also via the LOUIS Louisiana Library Network, enabling people from around the country to view brief biographies and service-related photographs of regional veterans. Guilbeau said he plans to donate video copies of interviews to the Library of Congress as well, for the National Veterans History Project.
For additional information, contact Guilbeau at (985) 493-2639 or neil.guilbeau@www.nicholls.edu.
A sampling of the oral history is posted below …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvnbV6J3jSI
