The red carpet was rolled out, a Hollywood-like glitz and glamour surrounded the crowd, and the lights dimmed. Dozens of people at Atria El Camino Gardens in Carmichael, California, eagerly awaited a preview of the highly anticipated documentary, “The War.” The preview event in early September was all part of a celebration to kick off the community’s partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.

Produced by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, “The War” was created in partnership with the VHP and in an effort to increase our nation’s awareness of World War II veterans’ personal accounts. The U.S. Library of Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000 in an effort to collect and archive personal narratives, correspondence and visual materials about wars during the 20th and 21st centuries. Atria El Camino Gardens is one of many Atria communities nationwide that is honoring veterans through participation in the Veterans History Project.

Committed to helping share the stories of seniors from the Greatest Generation, Atria Senior Living Group launched a nationwide campaign on Veteran’s Day last November to collect wartime stories and experiences from residents across the nation. Many Atria residents have compelling memories of fighting a war, whether it was on the battlefield or the home front.

“The Veterans History Project provides a long-overdue voice about our nation’s wartime conflicts. It is a true legacy spoken from the very men and women who served and worked to ensure our nation’s freedom,” said Staci Weisz, Engage Life Director at Atria El Camino Gardens. “You can’t put a price on memories, because the value is beyond measure. I am so honored to be able to provide the tools and time necessary for this project and to hear stories from our seniors who helped shape our great nation.”

In addition to hosting its red carpet preview, Atria El Camino Gardens also presented resident veterans with imitation “Academy Awards” in honor of their sacrifices and selfless acts of service for our country.

“It was so nice,” said Art Wagner, WWII veteran and resident of Atria El Camino Gardens since 2004. “I almost started crying when they said my name.”

Paying tribute to veterans, even decades after their service, is what the Veterans History Project is all about.

“One of the common themes of the Engage Life program is to celebrate our residents’ lives and encourage them to share their
experiences and wisdom with others,” said Khristine Rogers, Vice President of Engage Life at Atria. “Our residents deserve this opportunity to share their wartime experiences and the sacrifices they made for our country.”

Many of the heroes that live at Atria communities remain humble.

“I didn’t expect the recognition, but I have put my award with my other service trophies,” said Harold Pick, a resident at Atria El Camino Gardens since 2007 and WWII Army veteran.

The men and women of the Greatest Generation endured and then strengthened the nation. Atria Senior Living Group is honored to be able to share their stories of survival and keep a piece of American history alive.

Please visit the Veterans History Project Web site at www.loc.gov/vets.

Atria Communities Find Ways to Honor Veterans Every Day

In September 2007, several residents from Atria Daly City in Daly City, California, returned to the place that now pays tribute to their efforts during World War II – the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond.

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