One of the most ambitious oral history programs in the country, the Veterans' Voices Oral History Project at Battleship Cove collects and preserves the life experiences of veterans as a growing, living record of American culture.

Home to the largest veterans' oral history archives in the Commonwealth, and one of the largest in New England, Battleship Cove has collected the stirring recollections of national figures like:

• US Senator John S. McCain III
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi
• Medal of Honor recipients Captain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr. and Captain Thomas G. Kelley
• Former Red Sox slugger Dom DiMaggio

Follow the links at right to explore samples from this collection, or visit Battleship Cove in person to research the collection in its entirety.

A former Cabinet member with special ties to Battleship Cove.

ANTHONY J. PRINCIPI: Anthony J. Principi served as an officer on board the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. prior to becoming President George W. Bush’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and now the Chairman of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission. In his former position, Principi directed the nation’s second-largest department, a responsibility he fulfilled as Deputy, then Acting, VA Secretary for President George H.W. Bush from 1989-1993. A decorated Vietnam veteran, this US Naval Academy graduate was awarded the Bronze Star, the Navy Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry while commanding a river patrol unit on the Mekong Delta.

Click here to hear a segment from Secretary Principi's Veterans' Voices interview.

THE SON ALSO RISES: If any man epitomizes patriotism, it is Senator John McCain. A distinguished veteran, statesman, and family man, this retired naval aviator has dedicated his life to national service, as his father and grandfather, both four-star admirals, did before him.

Click here for the interview with Sen. McCain.