Illinois Veterans’ History Project

In November of 2005, the Illinois Veterans’ History Project was launched by Secretary of State Jesse White to create a permanent record of the names and stories of Illinois war veterans and civilians who served our state and country during war, so that their contributions would not be forgotten.

The project was created after the United States Congress passed a law in 2000 authorizing the Library of Congress to collect and preserve the histories of American veterans and civilians who served in wars from World War I to the present.

Veterans or their family members can share their remembrances by filling out an Illinois Patriots Information Form. Forms are available at driver services facilities throughout Illinois, Illinois public ­libraries or by downloading a form at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Participants will receive an Official Certificate of Appreciation.

Additionally, participants may also submit an oral recording that will be placed in the Illinois Digital Archives and the Library of Congress Veterans’ History Project.

Honor the patriots in your family – living and deceased – so their sacrifices will not be forgotten.