About the Story Collection Project

Throughout 2017, Nine PBS worked with a diverse group of advisors to understand the complicated feelings and emotions that the Vietnam War evokes. This advisory committee helped us recognized that those who lived through the Vietnam War era want to tell their story, regardless of their involvement in the war.

We learned that one of the best ways we can support our community is to provide a place where all of those stories can be shared and read. Thus, the Story Collection Project was born.

The Vietnam War was a complicated time. Collecting, reading and sharing individual stories and memories gives us a chance to learn and grow as a community. Reading diverse perspectives of the Vietnam War creates connections among individuals in our community, allows us to begin to understand what happened, and preserves the stories for future generations.

We’re seeking stories from all perspectives: veterans, those on the home front, and those from the Vietnamese community. Anyone that has a story to share from this era is encouraged to submit. Every single story is important. You can submit your story or encourage someone you know to submit his or her story. These stories will make students out of each of us.

Stories can be found by visiting our View Stories page. Stories will be searchable so that families, friends and members of the community can easily find, read and share them. We are also partnering with the Missouri History Museum to share some of these stories in the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum when it relaunches in Fall 2018.

How do I share my story? 
We are collecting written stories from the community to archive and preserve them so that future generations can learn more about this important time in our history. You may visit our Share a Story page (no longer active) to submit your story directly into the archive. If you prefer to submit a written letter, please mail it to: Vietnam Stories, Nine PBS, 3655 Olive St., St. Louis, Mo. 63108.

Resources for Veterans

Through our work with community partners we have learned more about how this powerful documentary may be difficult for some to watch. Please know that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a wide range of services for veterans and their families.

Services are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ St. Louis Health Care System Mental Health Office. Call (314) 894-6653 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about available services.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs’ responders through a confidential hotline, online chat, or text. Responders are live, not recorded, and can be reached 24/7 at (800) 273-8255, press 1. You can also send a text to: 838255. Or visit veteranscrisisline.net to immediately chat with someone online.