May

Advocacy in Action Challenge

Volunteer with or start a project to record the oral histories of minority veterans. Partner with local veterans' organizations or historical societies to ensure these narratives are documented and honored.

Explore resources for oral history projects at the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Don’t Silence the History of Memorial Day

Retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter in uniform speaking a microphone.

Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service to their country. As we look for ways to celebrate Memorial Day, retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter provides an example. We can ensure that military history includes the stories of all the people who served regardless of race. And we can remember and care for all those individuals who chose to join the military.

Memorial Day

Black and white photo of graves in a field.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has its origins in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Today, we can use Memorial Day and its celebrations as a platform for dialogue, unity, and reflection on the shared values of freedom, equality, and the importance of a just society.