Cody Brown
Former Green & Gold Aide
As part of the district team for North Carolina’s 3rd district , Cody Brown (USA Retired), supports the Veterans History Project in Jacksonville to collect and preserve stories of veterans across generations. He helps conduct and gather these interviews to be submitted into the archives of the Library of Congress.
“In our community, the Veterans History Project (VHP) has become a cherished initiative, one that brings together residents of all ages to honor and preserve the stories of those who served in the U.S. military. With a strong belief that the voices of veterans should never be forgotten, local volunteers, educators, and students have embraced the VHP as a way to connect with the past and ensure that these important histories are safeguarded for future generations.
It all began we decided to reach out to veterans in the area, inviting them to share their stories. With support from the Library of Congress and guidance from local historians, the project quickly grew into an important community effort. Volunteers from different backgrounds—students, teachers, retirees—came together, armed with audio recorders, notebooks, and cameras to document the experiences of the men and women who had served spanning decades.
Each interview was an opportunity for the veterans to reflect on the past—reminiscing about their service during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and other conflicts. Veterans shared memories of distant lands, dangerous missions, and friendships forged in the most trying of circumstances. For some, it was the first time they had spoken about their experiences in such depth, and the act of telling their stories brought a sense of relief and pride.
As word spread about the VHP in the community, more veterans came forward to participate. The interviews became a powerful way for the younger generation to understand the sacrifices made by their elders.
Beyond the interviews, the project also encouraged veterans to share photographs, letters, uniforms, and medals—items that helped paint a fuller picture of their lives during and after their service. These artifacts were carefully cataloged and preserved, with many displayed at local museums, libraries, and community centers, allowing others to connect with the personal histories of the veterans.
The project created a space for healing, for dialogue, and for appreciation. It also allowed veterans to bond with one another, as they often found common ground in their shared experiences. What began as a small local initiative blossomed into an ongoing community effort that celebrated the lives and stories of veterans, honoring their bravery and sacrifices.
The culmination of the project was a community event where veterans, families, students, and volunteers gathered to view a documentary compiled from the interviews. The room was filled with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of respect for the service members who had contributed to the freedoms we enjoy today. It was a moment of reflection and recognition, a reminder that history is not just made in books and classrooms but in the hearts and minds of those who lived through it.
Thanks to the Veterans History Project, our community has ensured that the legacies of our veterans will never be forgotten. Their stories, preserved for posterity, continue to inspire, and educate. Through their participation in the VHP, our veterans have become living links to the past, helping to shape the future of our community with their courage, sacrifice, and resilience.”
See the interview here:
