Illinois Announces "Reflections on a Veteran" Contest

"Secretary of State Jesse White is encouraging students in grades 6-11 to
take part in an essay competition honoring U.S. veterans, past and present.
“The ‘Reflections on a Veteran’ contest will help cultivate a deeper
understanding and appreciation of history and the sacrifices made by all
veterans, their families and communities,” said Secretary White.
After interviewing a U.S. Veteran for a class project, participants will
document in writing the most moving part of their interview. Students
will then write an essay about how the interview affected them.
There are two levels of competition: Level I – grades 6-8 and Level II –
grades 9-11. One winner and one runner-up for each level will be
selected. Winners will receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond and runnersup
will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. Winners also will read their
essays and receive a certificate at the September 2011 Constitution
Day Ceremony in Chicago, hosted by Secretary White.
The deadline to submit essays is May 16, 2011. Winners will be notified
in August. For more information, visit illinoiscenterforthebook.org,
or contact Bonnie Matheis at 217-558-2065 or bmatheis@ilsos.net.
The “Reflections on a Veteran” contest is sponsored by the Illinois State
Board of Education, Area 5 Learning Technology Center, Illinois World
War II Memorial Board Classroom Project; Secretary of State Jesse
White, Illinois Veterans’ History Project; and the Illinois State Library,
Illinois Center for the Book."

Interested students and teachers can contact the Veterans History Project Team at the Niles Public Library for assistance in conducting or arranging an interview with a veteran by calling 847-663-6425 or via email at noshea@nileslibrary.org.

Martha Barsky Interview

Then Martha Kleczewski, Mrs. Barsky joined the WAVES during World War II after she and Mr. Barsky became engaged. She and Mr. Barsky are the second couple to interview for the Veterans History Project Collection at the Niles Public Library. Bill and Martha Shipp had done so previously. Mrs. Barsky's interview is now available for reading at the library and her transcript and audio recording will soon be available via the library's site at nileslibrary.org.

Robert Barsky Interview

Mr. Robert Barsky served in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Foote. His interview has been added to the Veterans History Project Collection at the Niles Public Library. Both the transcript and audio recording will soon be available via the library's web site at nileslibrary.org.

Charles H. Borowsky Interview

Mr. Charles Haskell Borowsky's interview transcript has now been added to the Veterans History Project Collection at the Niles Public Library. After attending the Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, N. Y., he served in the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Naval Reserve. The transcript and audio recording of his interview will soon be available over the internet via the library's web site at nileslibrary.org.