The Biography Project seeks to tell the stories of those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War by gathering information for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel. HOLMDEL — Despite years of work on a Biography Project, more than 300 military personnel who lost their lives in the Vietnam War remain virtually unknown, save for a name, dates and, with any luck, a photograph, according to Bill Lindemann of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation.
“Part of our mission is to continue work on the biographies of the 1,563 New Jerseyans that are on the [Memorial Wall], so this is a full-time endeavor on our part,” said Lindemann, executive director of the foundation.
That is why the foundation is reaching out to the general public and trying to spread awareness about the project and its aims.
“We’re really trying to spur an interest within the community,” Lindemann said. “We’re constantly trying to build up the history of these people who sacrificed their lives.
“I think it is our job to make sure they’re not forgotten, but … remembered well and honored.”
The Biography Project is an attempt to honor the fallen veterans by capturing their character in a comprehensive online biography.
In addition to photographs and background information about the veterans, the foundation is seeking memories and anecdotes about them from friends, family, acquaintances and even former classmates.
“We’re really proud of the project, and we hope that the general public will come forward,” Lindemann said. “If they knew any Vietnam veterans who actually lost their lives, or knew a family who had a veteran who lost their life, or went to high school with them … they could provide tremendous insight into what [that person] was like.”
With 250,000 Vietnam veterans residing in New Jersey, the foundation is especially interested in speaking with other veterans who may have served with those on the memorial, according to Lindemann.
Any and all information is useful, he said, adding that many veterans’ profiles are lacking crucial details.
“Some [profiles] are great … and very extensive, but some have very little,” he said.
Lindemann urged anyone who can to help create a more robust database to honor the Vietnam veterans who did not return home.
“It’s a very positive project, and people are glad to contribute to it because it helps build … the character of the individual,” he said. “Their sacrifice is the ultimate. They went. Others did not go, but they did and they gave it their all. Unfortunately, some lost their lives doing it. I think the important thing is they served their country, and they should be honored for that.”
A list of the veterans the foundation is seeking information on can be found at www.njvvmf.org/biography-project.
Anyone with more information about any of the veterans listed on the New Jersey Memorial Wall may contact Curator and Coordinator of Educational Resources and Initiatives Sarah Hagarty at 732-335-0033, ext. 104 or [email protected].