National Archives Honors Veterans with Programs Nationwide
Press Release · Thursday, October 5, 2006

Special speakers, programs, and films to honor U.S. veterans regionally and nationwide

Washington, DC…In November, the National Archives will pay special tribute to our nation’s troops – past and present. Month-long special events, programs, exhibits, speakers and films will honor the brave men and women who have fought for our country.

The National Archives, which takes special pride in its role in protecting the records of those who have protected our nation, holds both individual service records and unit records stretching from the American Revolution to the Gulf War, covering all branches of the military service. For information about these holdings, and about National Archives activities nationwide to honor veterans and active military personnel and their families, see the National Archives Veterans Day web page (this page will be updated regularly).

Program locations and topic highlights include:

Open Houses: National Archives regional facilities nationwide will open their doors to this nation’s veterans, active military personnel and their family members on Friday November 10 (the Federal holiday), or Saturday November 11, depending on the location. Open Houses will include behind-the-scenes tours and briefings on military records throughout the day. Staff will assist Veterans and their family members (next of kin) in requesting records stored at the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, and will demonstrate the use of E-VetRecs (requesting veterans’ records electronically) for those eligible. Open houses will be held on either Friday, November 10th, or Saturday, November 11th, depending upon the facility location. Check the National Archives Veterans Day web page (this page will be updated regularly).

Briefings for Veteran Service Officers and Congressional staffers: National Archives regional facilities nationwide will hold special free briefings and workshops for Congressional staffers and Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who handle Veterans affairs issues. These sessions will highlight the military records holdings of the National Archives and National Personnel Record Center in St. Louis, MO, explain the National Archives role in preserving and making accessible this information, and detail services available to veterans. Staff from the National Personnel Records Center will participate at each location. For a full listing of dates, times and locations, see the National Archives Veterans Day web page. Although the workshops are free, advance registration will be required, and can be made via e-mail: vsoregistration@nara.gov or by phone, toll free: (866) 406-2379.

Washington, DC: The National Archives in Washington, DC will feature a National Archives Veterans Film Series as part of a month-long series of movies, lectures and videos on military topics. On Veterans’ Day, November 11, all veterans and active military personnel and their families may go to the front of the visitors’ line at the Special Events Entrance on Constitution Avenue, and will receive a special discount in the Archives Shop. For details on events in Washington, DC, see the related press release.

Presidential Libraries: The Roosevelt Library and Museum (Hyde Park, NY) and the Truman Presidential Library and Museum (Independence, MO) will offer free admission all day to veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, 2006. The Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Reagan Presidential Libraries will hold special events to honor veterans. Check the National Archives Veterans Day web page for more details.

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For press information contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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