The Veterans History Project was created by Congress six years ago.  Its purpose is to collect the memories of war veterans, preserve their stories for future generations and chronicle how their experiences affected them and America itself.
Vietnam Vet Carl Ramirez says he’s been waiting to tell his story for 36 years:
 
There’s a lot of bad memories, a lot of shame that I felt, and I think it’s time I moved on, away from all that.
 
 
Video and audio-tapes are kept at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., but some of the oral histories can also be heard on-line.
Stories are available from vets who served in World War One all the way up to the Iraqi and Afghanistan conflicts.  Civilians who served in support of veterans are also invited to give their accounts.