Members of the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association recently started their oral history project with an interview of veteran Fred Van Liew. Van Liew’s recollections comprise the beginning collection of first hand military experiences gathered through recorded interviews. The purpose of these interviews is to document the individual perspectives of local veterans highlighting historical information not documented in average textbooks. As Association member Lauren Rosenstock describes, “Hearing individuals describe the sacrifice they have made for the country reminds us of the everyday freedoms that have been protected by veterans. Many of these men and women are living heroes.”

      The oral histories collected will be recorded, transcribed, bound, and stored at the future site of the interpretive museum located at the memorial site. This documentation will "give a personal touch to the site.  It would be nice to have future generations say, 'That was my grandfather who said that.'  Or, 'So that's what he thought about that,' ” said Association member Bill Meytrott. The interpretive museum will document the history of local veterans through their personal experiences. In addition to honoring local veterans, the Association hopes the museum will educate the public on individual history and diversity.