Preserving America's Legacies...One Story At-A-Time
Clarence Jerke - US Army - 1952-54
Rick Lingberg's Storytelling America interviewed veterans at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, SD on July 23, 2015. This video captures the stories of Clarence Jerke, Korean War veteran and multiple Bronze Star recipient.
Other South Dakota Veteran Stories:
Wanda Short - US Navy/WWII | Joe Lolley - US Army/WWII |
Storyteller of Veterans Stories Visits SD Veterans Home
South Dakota storyteller, Rick Lingberg, visited the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home on July 23 to share his stories and to preserve some new ones. "Real history is a compilation of people's stories and experiences. However, only a very small amount of that is ever preserved and unfortunately lost for all of time," says Lingberg. "I think it's important that we do everything we can to preserve those stories even if it's just one story at a time," he added.
Lingberg primarily considers himself a storyteller. A substantial amount of his work has been with preserving the legacies of individuals, families, businesses and veterans. Says Lingberg, "I think everybody has a story worth telling and sharing one's life experiences may be the most valuable legacy a person can leave for generations to come whether it's family, business or community."
Lingberg made a presentation titled, "Old Guys and Their Airplanes". Lingberg, along with his film-making partner, aviation artist and historian, John Mollison, produces an online video series of the same title. They interview former combat pilots and tell their stories. "The pilots, their airplanes and combat experiences provide both an interesting historical and personal basis for our program. However, even more importantly, every pilot's story reveals an underlying message about the human condition and how these experiences have formed them from which we can all learn," says Lingberg. The program included Rick's remarks and video excerpts from his show. The program was open to the public.
Earlier in the day, Lingberg recorded interviews with a several veterans about their early lives and military experiences.