Oral Histories & Veteran Biographies
The plaque preserves the name. The story brings it to life.
The Lakeside Veterans Wall of Honor is building a living record of local military service. Veterans may share their experiences in their own voices, while families may contribute biographies, photographs, documents, and memories for veterans who are no longer living. Together, these stories connect generations and bring every honored name to life.
Preserved locally. Original recordings and accompanying photographs, biographies, transcripts, and documentation will be housed and preserved by the Lakeside Historical Society.
More than an interview
Voices of Service connects veterans with trained interviewers while creating meaningful educational and community-service opportunities. Participants follow one of two structured program paths: a high school curriculum or a college and adult interviewer program.
For veterans
A guided opportunity to document military service, personal memories, community connections, and reflections for family members and future generations.
For interviewers and program partners
High school students, college participants, educators, and adult community volunteers receive preparation appropriate to their roles while following shared standards for research, ethics, consent, recording, documentation, and preservation.
How the program will work
- A veteran, family member, educator, college representative, or community volunteer submits an interest form.
- Program representatives follow up to confirm participation, eligibility, permissions, the appropriate program path, and scheduling.
- Interviewers complete the approved high school curriculum or college and adult training program and prepare an approved research dossier and interview guide.
- The interview is recorded using approved questions, consent practices, and technical procedures.
- The veteran is given an opportunity to review biographical information and identify material that should remain private.
- Original materials and documentation are transferred to the Lakeside Historical Society for long-term preservation.
- Approved biographies, photographs, transcripts, and interviews may be presented through the Veteran Honor Library and the official YouTube channel.
From the website to the memorial
Each approved veteran may eventually have a dedicated profile page containing a biography, photograph, service information, transcript, and embedded video. After the Wall of Honor is built, a QR code at the memorial is planned to connect visitors with these online stories.
The QR code will lead to the Wall of Honor website rather than directly to YouTube. This provides a stable public destination while allowing video links and supporting information to be updated over time.
Respect, permission, and care
No interview, photograph, biography, transcript, or recording will be published without appropriate review and permission. Participation does not guarantee publication or placement on the Wall of Honor. Detailed recording, donation, copyright, privacy, student participation, correction, and takedown procedures will govern the program.
Interviewer Training & Education
Two pathways. One standard of care.
The High School Oral History Curriculum supports classroom instruction, student handouts, standards alignment, and assessment. The College and Adult Interviewer Program supports academic projects, internships, community volunteers, and non-interview roles such as research, transcription, metadata, and archival preparation.
Every person who conducts or co-conducts an interview must complete the approved training. Both guides are available in PDF and editable Word formats on the training page.
Share a story or request an interview
Use this preliminary form to contribute a veteran biography or family remembrance, express interest in an oral history interview, propose a school or college partnership, or volunteer with the program. Families may submit information about a veteran who is no longer living. Please do not send discharge documents, Social Security numbers, medical information, original photographs, or other sensitive records through this form; program representatives will explain how approved materials can be transferred securely.
Lakeside Veterans Wall of Honor 