Press/Journalists

Veteran's Day Documents Highlighted in National Archives Initiative
Press Release · Thursday, November 6, 2003

Washington, DC

November 6, 2003

ATTN: RADIO SPOKESPERSON ADVISORY

CONTACT:
Susan Cooper
National Archives Public Affairs
202-501-5526


Veteran's Day Documents Highlighted in National Archives Initiative

The National Archives is offering two spokespersons to talk about a national initiative that has a unique connection with Veterans Day.

WHAT: Many of the 100 documents selected for The People's Vote: 100 Documents That Shaped America, a national initiative launched by the Archivist of the United States with President Bush, recall the sacrifices and the heroism of the United States Military. The People's Vote invites Americans of all ages and educational backgrounds to vote for 10 documents from the list of 100 milestones chosen by historians and the National Archives, or to write in their favorites.

Among the documents that tell the story of America's military men and women are: The Declaration of War Against Germany, 1917; Eisenhower's Order of the Day, June 6, 1944; The Servicemen's Readjustment Act, 1944; The Surrender of Germany, 1945; The Surrender of Japan; and Executive Order 9981, Desegregating the Armed Forces, 1948.

The voting period began September 17, 2003, and ends on December 1, 2003. The results of the vote will be announced in a ceremony in the National Archives Rotunda on December 15, Bill of Rights Day.

WHO: Dr. Michael Kurtz, Assistant Archivist of the United States
Ms. LeeAnn Potter, Director of Education Programs at the National Archives
Both Dr. Kurtz and Ms. Potter were instrumental in launching this national civics initiative and can speak about the program itself and about the significance of these documents.

BACKGROUND: The People's Vote is co-sponsored by the National Archives, National History Day and U.S. News & World Report. It is part of a larger project created by the National Archives and National History Day in collaboration with USA Freedom Corps titled Our Documents: A National Initiative on American History, Civics and Service. The purpose of this initiative is to provide programs like The People's Vote to engage Americans in a better understanding of the documents that shaped our country.

By logging onto www.ourdocuments.gov, Americans can see the original 100 milestone documents, ranging from the U.S. Constitution to the cancelled check for the purchase of Alaska; and learn more about each of the 100 documents identified by experts at the National Archives. The public can cast their ballot by logging onto www.usnews.com/vote.

For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 301-837-1700.

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