Secretary of State Jesse White is calling on all veterans in Illinois to share their story of their time in the service, with the Illinois Veterans’ History Project. This project is intended to honor Illinois veterans, by documenting and preserving their experiences. With this initiative, White believes that future generations will have a better understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices that Illinois veterans have made. White stated, “The Illinois Veterans’ History Project will provide a place to honor our veterans, as well as a memorial for those who have served our country. It is my hope that the contributions of these veterans will live on, and their experiences will never be forgotten.” White served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army, while also being a member of the Illinois National Guard and as a reservist. As the State Librarian and Archivist, White initiated the Illinois Veterans’ History Project back in 2005, in conjunction with the Library of Congress, to provide a permanent record of the names and stories of Illinois veterans and their families. Currently the library has over 6,300 records, which have been submitted by either the actual veterans or their loved ones. Over 500 personal history videos are archived online through the project and their YouTube channel online, including Secretary White’s own video testimony. In order to participate in the Illinois Veterans’ History Project, veterans or their family members can obtain an Illinois Patriot Information Form from the Secretary of State’s office. You can find more information and download a form online, by visiting the cyber drive Illinois website, then navigating to the veterans project page.