Good News: ​Library’s Annual ‘Veterans Salute’ Returns

     For the past 25 years, Mid-Continent Public Library has recognized Kansas Cityarea veterans for their service and sacrifice through its annual Veterans Salute celebration. This year, the Library will show appreciation for area veterans by giving away commemorative Veterans Salute pins at all open branches, while supplies last.
     The pins will be available for veterans or their loved ones to pick up from now through Veterans Day (November 11). Information about area resources and services for veterans can also be picked up at MCPL branches. This year, Veterans Salute will commemorate the Vietnam War by sharing the stories of four local Vietnam veterans. These will air on the MCPL360 Facebook page on November 11 at 10:00 a.m. These video presentations contain descriptions of violence and may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
     “Veterans Salute highlights the support the Library offers for veterans and their families,” Dylan Little, MCPL Community Programming Manager said. “It’s exciting to amplify great resources for veterans in the community and highlight great Library programs and services available to the community throughout the year.”

Upcoming Events:
• Missouri Veteran Suicide Prevention Training (Zoom)
November 8 |7:00 - 8:30 p.m. CST
Virtual Event
The Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention Team and Mid-Continent Public Library have partnered to provide suicide prevention training. Participants will learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope, and where to get help.

• No Mail, No Morale: The Story of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion
November 1 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Red Bridge Branch Learn the story of the only all-African American, all-female unit sent to England and France during 2 World War II to sort a massive backlog of mail. The 6888th Central Postal Battalion were given six months to sort a hanger full of undelivered letters and got the task done in three months. “No mail, no morale” was their motto.

• Using Fold3
November 3 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Midwest Genealogy Center
Learn how to use Fold3 to access U.S. military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of veterans. This class focuses on search tips and the types of records available.

• Researching Your Civil War Soldier
November 10 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Midwest Genealogy Center
Did your ancestor serve in the U.S. Civil War? Discover the resources you will need to find your ancestors and learn where those records are located. More information about these programs, and registration, is available at mymcpl.org/VeteransSalute.
A list of resources and services for veterans can also be found on this page, offered by the Library and local organizations, as well as reading lists, educational tools, and more.

Additional Library Resources of Interest to Veterans:

• Midwest Genealogy Center – Tell Me a Story
Oral history is an important part of MCPL’s Veterans Salute, as well as preserving local history. If you are a veteran or know a veteran who would like to share their story, consider recording it with MCPL’s Tell Me a Story initiative. Tell Me a Story provides the ability to record and preserve memories, stories, and living history of residents in the Kansas City metro area. The initiative has already preserved the stories of more than 40 area veterans.
Visit mymcpl.org/Genealogy to learn more about Tell Me a Story.

• Square One Small Business Services
MCPL’s Square One team is proud to support current and aspiring entrepreneurs, including veterans, with educational resources and guidance.

    Visit mymcpl.org/SquareOne to learn more about Square One’s services, including one-on-one meetings, and see a full list of upcoming classes and events.
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     If you represent a veterans’ organization, assisted living center, nursing home, or other organization and would like a larger number of pins, contact Robert Forster at rforster@mymcpl.org or (816)627-9009