Spokane Valley Library employee is recognized by the Library of Congress
2/3/2024
Spokane Valley Library was recently honored to receive
a Certificate of Appreciation from the Library of Congress for its involvement
in the Veterans History Project. The Library of Congress recognized the
library's continuous dedication to preserving the stories and experiences of
our nation's veterans. As part of this recognition, Congresswoman Cathy
McMorris Rodgers presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Jeremy Mullin, a
local resident actively involved in the project.
The Veterans History Project is an initiative led by
the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The United States
Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2020 and was signed into law
on October 27, 2000, by President Clinton.
The projects mission is to collect, preserve, and make
accessible the firsthand accounts of American veterans who served in conflicts
from World War I to the present day. By gathering personal narratives,
photographs, diaries, letters, and other original materials, the project aims
to capture the voices of veterans and ensure their stories are documented for
future generations.
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There are specific criteria for oral submissions to be
accepted and the new Spokane Valley Library has the ideal recording sound room.
Spokane Valley Library employee Jeremy Mullin, 43, is the Technology
Instruction Specialist with the library and helps set up and record oral
stories of local veterans.
Mullin, an advocate of the Veterans History Project,
has played a crucial role in its success by helping set up recording sessions
for veterans to tell their stories that provide insight into their service and
sacrifices.
In a special ceremony held at the Spokane Valley
Library, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers presented Mullin's with the certificate.
The certificate acknowledges Mullin's exceptional commitment to the Veterans History
Project and recognizes his invaluable contributions in preserving the rich
history of our nation's heroes.
"I am here to present the Library of Congress Veterans
History Project certificate of appreciation to you, Jeremy Mullin," Rodgers
shared with the assembled group of over twenty-five attendees. "Today we wanted
to acknowledge his work and support of the Veterans History Project. He is the
ultimate professional in assuring that the audio and visual room is prepped for
each recording session and that the recordings meet the Library of Congresses
strict submission requirements."
During the ceremony, Rodgers praised Mullin's
dedication and expressed her gratitude for his efforts. She emphasized the
significance of preserving the stories of our veterans, not only to honor their
service but also as a means of educating future generations about the realities
of war and the sacrifices made on their behalf.
"It is also the community that makes this possible,"
Jeremy shares while accepting the certificate, "and with the help of our
amazing staff. Without that support we wouldn't have the ability to reach out
to the community to make these great things happen."
The Spokane Valley Library, in collaboration with
Mullin and other volunteers including the local Jonas Babock Chapter of the Daughters
of the American Revolution, has been actively engaged in the Veterans History
Project for several years.
Congressional Aide Claudette Becker conducts interviews for
the Veterans History Project at the library and shares that, "[Jeremy] sets up
the room so that when I come with a veteran who has been in combat, he'll set
up the space so that they feel comfortable." The library provides a platform
for veterans to share their stories, ensuring that their experiences are
recorded and properly archived at the Library of Congress for posterity. "It's
being able to create a space for them to share their stories where they feel
comfortable to share what they are feeling and what has gone on. It has an
organic feel to it," Mullin expands on the collaboration.
The recognition received by Jeremy Mullin and the
Spokane Valley Library serves as encouragement for the ongoing efforts of the
Veterans History Project. It highlights the importance of preserving personal
accounts and memories of veterans, ensuring that their sacrifices and
contributions are never forgotten. "This is so important to preserve the
stories for future generations and to get the stories directly from the
veterans so that we can have a better understanding of what they saw and what
they felt during their time in service." Rodgers explains about the project.
As the Veterans History Project continues to expand,
individuals like Mullin play a vital role in capturing the extraordinary
stories of our nation's heroes. Their dedication and commitment are crucial to
preserving the legacy of those who have served and reminding us of the
sacrifices made in defense of our country.
"It's great to have the studio," Mullin said, "it
gives us another opportunity to reach more parts of our community." The studio
is open to residents to reserve a time slot to learn all about the process of
recording. From recording stories to starting a podcast, the library has the
optimal equipment. "It about getting exposure for the teens who might not have
access to at their homes." The studio is commonly in use up to four times a
day.
"They went above and beyond on the sound proofing of
the studio room. One issue is sound echoing. But in this room sound lays flat."
The library studio also works on Project
Memory, where families can bring in their old photos and videos to be archived.
The Veterans History Project collection includes
veterans from World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, Korean War, Persian
Gulf Wars, and the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
The Veterans History Project
has an up-to-date website that provides answers from how to recommend a veteran
for the project to how to donate journals and artifacts. Visit their website at
loc.gov/programs/veterans-history-project.
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