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 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 will not be  forgotten. This effort honors Illinois veterans by documenting and preserving the memories of their wartime experiences.  This allows future generations to have a better understanding, appreciation and compassion for the sacrifices of these brave men and women.

To participate in the Illinois Veterans History Project, veterans or their family members can obtain an Illinois Patriot Information Form from the Secretary of State's office.  Forms are also available at driver services facilities  throughout Illinois and at Illinois public libraries.  Interested  persons may also print their own copies by downloading a PDF version of  the form in either Regular Print Format or Large Print Format.

Veterans or their family members can complete this form  and share their remembrances on the back or on a separate sheet of  paper. Those who participate will receive an Official Certificate of Appreciation for their participation in this project.

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

Secretary White created the Illinois Veterans History Project 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.

More Information about participation and full kits can be obtained through  The Illinois State Library website.