(HACKENSACK) - Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney and the County’s Division of Veterans Services invite veterans to submit a personal military story for inclusion in “Veterans Voices: The Stories of Bergen County’s Veterans,” an anthology that will highlight the experiences of thousands of Bergen County veterans from all eras.

“This anthology will allow our veterans’ treasured memories to serve as a firsthand account for future generations of the experiences our local veterans had trying to preserve our freedom and protect our nation’s ideals during our country’s most challenging periods in history,” said McNerney. “Bergen County is proud of all the men and women who have served our country so selflessly. Their stories of sacrifice and dedication will be able to live with us forever.”

“Collecting the stories of the many former servicemen and women in our community is increasingly urgent, since war veterans die everyday and in many cases, their stories die with them,” said Freeholder David L. Ganz. “The preservation of personal recollection through oral history is a tradition that captures the unique stories of those who shaped our nation. Each veteran has a valuable story that this anthology wants to preserve and share with current and future generations.”

There are approximately 55,000 veterans living in Bergen County. The county is seeking information from veterans who were born, resided, or are currently living in Bergen County. Family members are welcome to submit their loved ones biographical information and short stories as well.

“Our goal is to collect the stories of Bergen County veterans and preserve their accounts for posterity,” said Kevin Clancy, Bergen County Veterans Services’ Director. “Their experiences will offer a glimpse into the hardship, sacrifices, and loss many of them experienced during times of war.”

Veterans or family members of those deceased can find the Biographical Data Form on the county web site by logging onto www.co.bergen.nj.us. Then look under “Recent County Initiatives” and the headline “Bergen County Veterans Anthology Book.” There will be a link that will allow you to print the Biographical Data Form, where you will share your short story.

Link to Biographical Data Form

(Note: you must have Adobe Reader to view form. You can download the reader here.)

Please fill it out and send it back to the Division of Veterans Services, One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601. For additional information, you can call (201) 336-6325.