American Conservationists awarded DAC Patriotism and Historic Preservations Medals

Two U.S. B-17 Flying Fortresses in flight over Europe.
Two U.S. B-17 Flying Fortresses in flight over Europe.

The husband and wife team of Jeff and Jeanne Meek were recently recognized by the Lt. Samuel Cherry Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists, for historic conservation and exemplary patriotism in the donation of more than 300 recorded interviews of World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, to the Library of Congress.

Oral histories were sent to the Veterans History Project, Library of Congress.  Interviews, conserving the histories of veterans, have resulted in healing in some instances.

The Meeks have coordinated and sponsored bus tours for World War II veterans and their spouses to the New Orleans–based World War II museum.

They have also produced and directed four shows: a trio of ‘Salute to WWII Veterans’ shows and one ‘Salute to Vietnam Veterans’ presented in Hot Springs Village with all seats sold out, featuring pre–recorded interviews of the veterans.

Also, they sponsored a half–dozen ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day’ luncheons. Jeff has given presentations to civic groups, teaching how to research and interview veterans. He has studied WWII and now other wars at length. The Meeks have visited battle locations in Europe.

Jeff has, in addition, been a guardian on four WWII honor flights to Washington D.C. Guardians on the honor flights are expected to pay their own $400 flight expenses, Hot Springs Village Voice reported.

The purpose of the DAC Society is patriotic, educational and historical: to investigate the history and actions of American colonists, recording and publishing them; to remember deeds of Colonial interest; to promote and encourage love for the United States and its institutions by all of its residents; and to abide by the laws and respect the flag, the emblem of its authority and civic morality.

Ian Harvey

Ian Harvey is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE