Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) helped pass the Gold Star Families Voices Act to allow immediate family members of fallen servicemembers to contribute to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, a digital archive of personal accounts from American war veterans. Previously, only living veterans were able to tell their stories for the archive.

“The Veterans History Project is a chance for generations of veterans to share their accounts of fighting for our freedom around the world,” said Rep. Peters. “Including Gold Star Families ensures that we record the stories of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. With more than 240,000 veterans residing in San Diego, it’s not only an important part of our nation’s history, but our region’s as well."

In 2014, Rep. Peters launched the Veterans History Project for his district aboard the USS Midway Museum. Since then, his staff has done interviews with dozens of San Diego veterans and contributed them to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project to be preserved. The Veterans History Project is one of the many ways Rep. Peters honors local veterans and San Diego’s proud role in the national defense.

Rep. Peters concluded, “It’s been an honor to work with our local veterans to preserve their stories. No one has given more to their country than Gold Star families, and our history should reflect that sacrifice.”

For more information, interested veterans and their families can call Rep. Peters' office at (858) 455-5550 or sign up through his website by visiting https://scottpeters.house.gov/contact-me/sign-up-veterans-history.

Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Judiciary Committee. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.