Statistics show that time is running out to preserve the firsthand history of World War II.

More than 19 million World War II veterans are still living in the United States today, but 1,700 pass away every day, taking their stories and links to the past with them.

As part of the U.S. Library of Congress' Veterans History Project, Ohio University Southern's Gamma Beta Phi honor society is working on a video- and audio-taped oral history project that focuses on World War II veterans.

"The Library of Congress and our team are eager to talk with the World War II veterans. The intent is to honor their service and collect their stories and experiences while we have them with us," said Teisha Caldwell, project chairperson for Gamma Beta Phi's OUS chapter.

"The project will promote learning and promote discussion across generations about America's involvement."

Filming will be May 7 and 8 in a production studio at the university. So far, only a few veterans have signed up to sit on stage and tell their stories. Organizers encourage anyone interested to contact Dr. Miki Crawford at 740-533-4604.

Veterans who are physically unable to visit OUS can make arrangements to be filmed at a location that best fits their needs.

For Caldwell, the project hits close to home because her grandfather was stationed in Berlin after the U.S. occupation. She has personally seen

how important projects such as this truly can be.

"We really need to capsulate this era. Once the veterans who fought in the war and gave their time and lives are gone, we will not be able to tell their stories and efforts," the senior said. "We don't want their efforts to be in vain. We know history repeats itself."

Several leaders of local veterans groups echoed the importance of the project.

Kenneth Kingrey, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2761, AMVETS Post 141 and the American Legion 433, served in the U.S. Army Air Force in Asia during World War II. He plans to participate in the project.

"I think Americans need this very seriously. They are beginning to forget why (this country) was formed to begin with," he said. "People need a wake-up call but I don't know if this will do it."

Other veterans should participate in the worthwhile project, if they feel emotionally able, he said.

"Sometimes veterans are kind of funny about stories of their service," Kingrey said. "It sometimes reminds them of too much, brings back bad memories."

Stephen Saunders, commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 51, was excited about the project.

"We need to get these stories down. No one's sacrifices should be forgotten," he said. "World War II is a big part of history. There was not a household in the country that was not affected by it."

Once the filming, editing and other post-production has been completed, the university will host a premier viewing in Bowman Auditorium. The date will be announced.