Representatives from the Veterans History Project will be sailing aboard Princess Cruises’ first veterans cruise in November to facilitate the recording of first-hand interviews with passengers who served during times of conflict. These stories will be added to the Project’s ongoing collection of wartime memories that are preserved and made accessible by the Library of Congress.

Princess Cruises president and CEO Alan Buckelew kicked off the initiative yesterday in Washington DC by recording his own story as a soldier in Vietnam. Buckelew was in the nation’s capital to speak at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Throughout this special voyage departing November 5, veterans will be offered the opportunity to be recorded on video to capture as many first-hand accounts as possible. In addition, the professionals from the Library of Congress will be onboard to train passengers to record the histories of their family and friends who have served. Passengers will get tips on how to record the histories and learn to preserve these important stories for posterity.

“It’s so important to record the wartime experience from many points of view, and we’re pleased that representatives from the Veteran’s History Project will be with us to capture remembrances from as many of the veterans cruising with us as possible.” said Buckelew. “We’re honored to play a role in helping to preserve veterans’ memories for future generations.”

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is primarily an oral history program that collects and preserves the first-hand interviews of America’s wartime veterans. VHP relies on volunteers, both individuals and organizations, throughout the nation to contribute veterans’ stories to VHP. In addition to audio- and video-recorded interviews, VHP accepts memoirs, collections of original photographs and letters, diaries, maps, and other historical documents from World War I through current conflicts. More information about the project is available at: http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Princess’ first-ever fundraising cruise will sail November 5-9, 2013 roundtrip from Houston aboard Caribbean Princess to the Western Caribbean. The sailing is expected to generate $1 million for two organizations committed to U.S. veterans – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Inc. and Operation Homefront Inc. In addition to the Veterans History Project, a number of special guests will be aboard, including former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen (Ret.); retired senior officers from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force; an award-winning war correspondent; and other respected speakers, authors and panelists.

The cruise will offer passengers the opportunity to honor those who have served in the military as well as active duty military personnel. In addition to the line-up of impressive military guests and speakers, there will be special performers, celebrities, unique topic panels and a military film festival. Princess will offer onboard activities such as a Stars and Stripes Sailaway, a military themed show, a Red, White and Blue Gala, and more – to celebrate U.S. veterans.