WHAT'S NEW 
Project Collaboration:
The Project recently provided materials to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History for their exhibit, “On the Water.”
The exhibit explores America’s maritime history, including America’s shipbuilding efforts during WWII, in which Project-participant Mrs. Maria Isabel Solis Thomas is mentioned. The exhibit also examines the efforts of the Merchant Marine, who received little to no recognition. Project-participant Mr. Sam Casarez is among the Merchant Marines who shared their stories.
To view the exhibit, please click here.
Interviewing Veterans in Beeville:
The Project recently took a trip to Beeville, about 60 northwest of Corpus Christi, to interview 9 veterans.
The local VFW was extremely enthusiastic about the event–they provided volunteers, contacted veterans and also sponsored our trip! We’re very thankful for their efforts and their support.
The local newspaper, the Beeville Picayune, was on hand to document the interview session. You can read their story here.
New Stories and Photos:
We’ve been hard at work, adding new stories and new photos to the web site!
We’ve collected more than 660 interviews and tributes since 1999. Not every story has been posted yet, and since we’re still collecting interviews, we’re always adding more. It’s definitely a good idea to browse the site every once and a while to see what’s new.
News 8 Austin Covers the Project:
We recently got some press coverage on News 8 Austin: Part 1 and Part 2.
Digitizing Tapes:
In the fall of 2006, the project began the process of digitizing its thousands of hours of interviews.
The digitization was essential to preserve the tapes. The University of Texas Libraries is handling the first phase of the digitization process, which includes 700 hours of audio interviews and mini-DVs.
Additional funding for the rest of the digitization will be sought through grants from various sources.
One copy of the interview will be housed at the Center for American History. Another copy will reside, with the complete archives, at the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection.
The digitization hastens the transfer of all materials to the Benson.
Reprinting of A Legacy Greater than Words:
The book, which summarizes 425 of the project’s interviews, sold enough in the first six months to pay for its printing.
A Legacy Greater than Words is a self-published book, distributed through the University of Texas Press. The second printing will be available for purchase in early 2007.
Beyond the Latino Warrior-Hero:
The Social and Political legacy of WWII – Project director Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez and UT historian Emilio Zamora are finalizing work for the third book to derive from the project. The University of Texas Press is the publisher.
Contributors include, besides the two editors: Ricardo Griswold del Castillo, San Diego State University; Silvia Alvarez-Curbelo, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedra; Dennis Valdes, Michigan State University; Violeta Dominguez-Lopez, University of Texas at Austin; Rea Ann Trotter, Independent Scholar, Colorado; Ricardo Ainslie, University of Texas at Austin; Daphne Tobias, University of Texas at Austin; Brenda Sendejo, University of Texas at Austin; Joanne R. Sanchez, St. Edward’s University
UPCOMING EVENTS <
The Project will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a dinner at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Avenue. The dinner is on Oct. 2, 2009, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50.
We will also explore the Korean and Vietnam war eras, as we look to expand the Project’s scope. We will hold a symposium on October 3, 2009, also at the AT&T Center. Tickets are $20, and include breakfast and lunch.
Please call the office for more information, 512-471-1924.
BIENVENIDOS
World War II was a turning point for the United States, and the war had an impact on U.S. Latinos just as much as other groups. It has been estimated that anywhere from 250,000 to as many as 750,000 Latinos and Latinas served in the armed forces during World War II. The purpose of this site is to foster a greater awareness of their contributions. On our site you will find hundreds of stories, thousands of photos, oral history training videos, all the forms and guidelines you need to submit a videotaped interview or tribute to the project. We welcome your comments and suggestions.SPOTLIGHT ON:
Juan Martinez
Date of Birth: 08-30-1923
Interviewed by: Celina Moreno
WWII Military Unit: Army
By BROOKE MEHARG
Juan Martinez smiled as he remembered receiving letters from proud siblings while he was stationed in the Philippines, telling him he was in their prayers.
"Thanks to God that their prayers went up to heaven," Martinez said.
Born in 1923, he grew up in La Gruya, Texas, between the cities of Mission and Rio Grande City, living with his grandmother until the age of 9 because of his parents' divorce. Unlike ...
