Eagle Scout Michael McPhie, Irvine, Calif.
An Irvine, Calif. Eagle Scout was recently recognized for his work archiving the stories of veterans in the Library of Congress, effectively enshrining their voices in the annals of history.
“I wanted to do something to honor veterans. One way that we can honor veterans is by listening to and recording their stories so that future generations of Americans can hear about the realities of war directly from these veterans,” said Michael Craig McPhie. “I thought that an Eagle Project would be the perfect way to connect veterans with other members of the community so that their stories could be heard.”
McPhie was awarded “Eagle Scout of the Year” by the American Legion Department of California Scouting Commission for his project recording audio interviews with Orange County veterans of the WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq War eras. For his efforts, McPhie will receive a check for $500, a certificate and a special American Legion scouting medal.
“Michael is an exceptional young man with the highest scholastic honors,” said Michael Feist, chairman of the Scouting Commission. “He excels in Math, Latin, Music and Science. It’s this kind of initiative in our nation’s youth that gives me optimism for the future.”
McPhie’s interviews are now part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project archives in Washington D.C.
The Eagle Scout said he looks up to his scoutmasters and hopes to become more like them.
“They are busy with their careers, busy raising families, but they take time to lead us on trips to the Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree,” McPhie said. “Out in nature, they talk about what it means to be American and to live in the greatest land on earth, a land of freedom. They express gratitude for brave Americans who have risked and sacrificed so much.”
“Recording the stories of Orange County veterans is important because these veterans have sacrificed so much for the country that we live in,” McPhie said. “Listening to and preserving their stories is one way that we can make sure that their experiences will not be forgotten.”
Listen to two of McPhie’s interviews below.
Author: Jared Morgan
Jared is the senior editor and web team lead for the Department of California and chair of its Media & Communications Commission. He became a member of the American Legion in 2014 when he joined Palisades Post 283 to find stories about veterans issues for a local newspaper while working as its news editor. He was soon brought in as 283's assistant adjutant and historian to help produce the post's award-winning community newspaper. Since then, Jared has used his media skills to help further the efforts of The American Legion in its advocacy of veterans and their families. Jared has also worked for several years to help revitalize the 100-year-old Santa Monica Post 123, formerly as its adjutant and as a member of its executive board, before transferring back to Post 283.
