History is really about people and things related to them. In a democratic society the experiences of the people who lived and their daily affairs are the very lifeblood of history. Oral history is often neglected ... although criticized as being tainted by bias or subjectivity ... it portrays a microcosm of the larger historic framework through the experiences of those who lived it.

On Veterans' Day, 2000, Governor George Pataki established the New York State Veteran Oral History Program to preserve the story of New York's veterans in their own words for future generations. Governor Pataki noted "The recollections and experiences of New York's veterans are a precious and irreplaceable resource ... (the veterans') history is our state's history..."

Military service was memorable and often a defining moment in the veteran's life. Plane Handler Gary A. Bauwer, who served on the U.S.S. Essex, 1957-1961, recalled, "I was only four months past my 17th birthday ... when I joined the Navy ... it turned out to be an experience that I would never forget in a lifetime."

"An experience of a lifetime..." this service to country was the seminal event of a life and is therefore an often essential part of our state and national heritage worth preserving. The primary mission of this packet is to provide guidelines for the creation of a resource for historians, educators, students and family members to use. It also preserves a lasting tribute to the men and women who served so future generations would be every mindful of their dedication and sacrifices.

It's hard to explain. So much going on, but you in your own bivouac area, you knew only what was going on around you. Each one had his own war and they knew what the guy next to you was doing and hoping to count on him. Tough going there. Outside of that, everyone  had his own version of what's happening. I suppose this was the same of every encounter. Every engagement. I know, I talked to a lot of guys that were in the same outfit, and they saw things different than you did.  It's hard to explain ....                  John Brundage, 1st Marine Division, Guadalcanal

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