To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Ancestry, the global leader in family history, has announced a partnership with the WWII Veterans History Project to preserve and share the stories of those who served. Timed with Veterans Day 2025, Ancestry is honoring this historic milestone by introducing Thank You For Your Story, a commemorative storytelling effort complete with a WWII discovery and preservation hub featuring curated record collections, preserving the firsthand accounts of 80 WWII veterans, and helping countless others unearth their own. It’s our way of saying, “Thank You For Your Story.” This initiative aims to preserve and share the experiences of those who served during one of history’s most defining moments so they are not forgotten. With less than 1% of WWII veterans still alive today, as noted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, this initiative comes at a crucial time.
“There’s never been a more important time to honor our ancestors’ WWII-era stories and lived experiences and to preserve the memory of some of America’s most remarkable heroes,” Crista Cowan, Ancestry Corporate Genealogist commented “Every family has a World War II story waiting to be discovered, and this initiative is a powerful way to remind people to uncover their personal connections to this chapter in history. These veterans’ sacrifices not only deserve remembrance, but their wisdom and experiences offer invaluable lessons that can guide our lives today.”
For the last ten years, the WWII Veterans History Project has spearheaded a nationwide effort to film and document the personal stories of WWII veterans. As part of this effort, a collection of these stories will be made available for free on Ancestry websites, where anyone can learn from the lived experiences of these American heroes – ensuring their voices are heard, remembered and passed down for future generations.
“This anniversary is a powerful reminder that the opportunity to hear directly from those who lived through it is disappearing fast,” Benjamin Mack-Jackson, Founder of the WWII Veterans History Project commented “By partnering with Ancestry, we’re able to make these vital human stories more widely accessible than ever before and ensure they’re never forgotten.”
Over the coming months, Ancestry and the WWII Veterans History Project will be uploading and preserving these powerful veteran stories. While the full experience will debut in early November, visitors can explore military records and resources now at www.ancestry.com/wwii to begin uncovering their own family’s history and connection to this defining era.
