Honor our Veterans by Listening to their Stories

As we celebrated Memorial Day on May 25, 2026 a time of remembrance for those who died in the act of serving their country, we also remembered those who lived through war and returned to live worthwhile lives in times of peace. For many of those, their war memories remained alive for years after war.

           Journalist Eric Sevareid in the foreward to the Time-Life Book WW II writes, " . . . the faces, the scenes and sounds, and some of the feelings come back again and again. There is no human experience like war, especially great and extended war, as war that involves whole nations and whole families. World War II was a total war . . ."

My Richfield High School students did over 200 interviews of World War II veterans and others affected by the war. They were recorded between the years 1991 and 1995. Students of Elaine Street did some interviews also. I edited all the transcriptions of the audio tapes, so though I was a little girl during the war, I felt that through reading their memories, I became a part of the war years in so many additional ways. In this column, I’ve included some quotes from a few histories.

These audio interviews and transcriptions have been available in libraries and at the Utah State Historical Society for years, but now, thanks to SCAHS's efforts, they can be accessed locally.

SCAHS stands for Sevier County Archive and Heritage Services.

The initials answer the question “Why preserve history?” Just SCAHS!

If you would like access to the oral recording of an interview and its transcription to learn more, here’s how.

• Go to https://www.seviercountyhistoryhub.org/
• Tap on 'Explore the Archive'
• Then Browse 'Collections'
• Click on the 'Judy Busk and Elaine Street Oral History Collection' 

Listen, read, and view the stories.

You can also browse by person's name, topics like 'Military' and by 'Subjects,' including specific wars, like WWII, Vietnam, veterans, etc. We hope you enjoy exploring the archive!

Visit Sevier County Archives and Heritage Services in person in the basement of the Sevier County Administration Building, Room B40, Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm, or schedule an appointment on our website. New items added weekly, digitizing is a work in progress, so check back often or submit a request! Volunteers welcome.

Also, our local Richfield Library has transcriptions housed in binders, alphabetized by last name. You can sit at a comfortable table and read memories of a person or persons of your choice. Through reading, you will be transported back to the years of World War II through vivid recollections that reveal not only events but emotions.

Voices of Valor: Veteran Quotes

Our veterans have played a crucial role in shaping the history of Sevier County. Here, we share their reflections and experiences, preserving their stories for future generations.

Click on the icon to read or listen.

Some quotes to pique your curiosity follow:

Tess Whiting

James Forsey

Working in Washington D.C. on December 7, 1941

Fay Starr

C.G. Spencer

Lee Duffin

George Anderson

Arthur Lee

Leo Breinholt

Mother of two World War II veterans

Leona Holt

Helen Willardson

Hal Edwards

Judy Busk taught English at Richfield High School. This oral history collection was developed from a student project that she and Elaine Street assigned to their English and Honors students as part of their coursework. She is also the author of this article.

Judy Busk