Veterans Recognition
Honoring service, preserving stories, and ensuring sacrifice is remembered
Military service does not end when a uniform comes off. Across Michigan and Southeast Michigan, organizations are working to ensure veterans are seen, heard, and honored—by preserving their stories, recognizing their service in public spaces, and creating moments of lasting appreciation for veterans and their families. The resources below highlight programs focused on recognition, remembrance, and storytelling, safeguarding the legacy of those who have served for future generations.
Veterans Archives
Preserving veterans’ stories for future generations
Veterans Archives is a Michigan‑based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the personal stories of U.S. military veterans. Through recorded, veteran‑to‑veteran conversations, the organization captures service histories in veterans’ own words and voices, creating a publicly accessible digital archive that honors their courage and sacrifice.
Each participating veteran receives a presentation box containing their recorded story and a commemorative challenge coin. This service is provided free of charge, made possible through community support and donations. The mission of Veterans Archives is to educate and inspire future generations by ensuring these firsthand histories are preserved and shared.
Learn more: https://veteransarchives.org/
Veterans of the Game
Public recognition through University of Michigan athletics
Veterans of the Game is a Michigan‑based nonprofit that honors U.S. military veterans by supporting and preserving the University of Michigan’s Veteran of the Game program. The organization helps coordinate on‑field recognitions at home athletic events and hosts tailgates and community gatherings celebrating veterans’ service and sacrifice.
Beyond game‑day recognition, Veterans of the Game works to preserve military history by maintaining relationships with the veterans honored and creating lasting connections between veterans, their families, and the public.
Learn more: https://veteransofthegame.org/
Library of Congress – Veterans History Project (Michigan Collections)
National preservation of Michigan veterans’ stories
The Veterans History Project, housed at the Library of Congress, collects and preserves firsthand accounts of U.S. military veterans from all eras. Michigan veterans’ oral histories are included through partnerships with universities, libraries, and community organizations across the state, ensuring these stories remain permanently accessible.
Learn more:
https://www.loc.gov/programs/veterans-history-project/about-this-program/
Eastern Michigan University – Veterans Oral History Project
Local oral histories from Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan
Eastern Michigan University maintains a digital archive of recorded interviews with veterans from Washtenaw County and the surrounding area. Collected as part of the Veterans History Project, these interviews document service experiences from World War II through recent conflicts and contribute to Michigan’s historical record.
View the collection: https://aspace.emich.edu/repositories/2/resources/957
United Veterans of Michigan
Honoring service through community connection
United Veterans of Michigan is a Michigan‑based nonprofit that honors veterans and active‑duty service members by providing meaningful community experiences—often centered around outdoor recreation and peer connection. While service‑oriented, the organization’s core mission emphasizes recognition, respect, and restoring camaraderie among veterans.
Learn more: https://unitedveteransofmichigan.com/
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