John Robinson, senior at RNE; Perry McLeod, teacher and director of the program; Russ Meyne, Pearl Harbor survivor and B–17 pilot in the European Theater he flew 36 missions over France and Germany; Josh Morgan, senior at RNE.

Perry McLeod’s love of history is contagious. Students at Richland Northeast High School (RNE) have joined him and American Legion Post 6 to create an oral history of Columbia’s own Greatest Generation. McLeod’s own family is steeped in WWII history.

His mother was German and her father fought for Germany in WWII, but never against American forces. His father was an American soldier who served several tours of duty. His father’s time in the service instilled in this future teacher a sense of patriotism and respect for the men and women who have faithfully served America.

In the spring of 2003, McLeod’s passion for history and desire to showcase his students’ talents motivated him to submit grants to fund the creation of an oral history class. He wanted to facilitate interaction between generations and preserve history of the Greatest Generation.

The grants were well received, money was awarded, and what began as a spark has now become a burning fire for many generations. High school students are using technology provided through the school’s Infolink program to create a living history of pivotal times in American history.

Interviews with veterans like Russ Meyne create short videos that preserve memories and can be used in the classroom as mini-lessons. Meyne is a decorated WWII veteran who flew 35 missions in a B17 bomber. Meyne was beginning his breakfast in a Pearl Harbor mess hall when Japanese forces started their attack. His work with McLeod has surpassed the project to forge a strong friendship.

According to McLeod, “The short videos are very effective teaching tools, but the best part of the process is seeing the relationships form between students and veterans.”

“There are so many life lessons being shared between the generations,” McLeod continued. “Students are learning more than history. They have learned people can stay married 60 years and that elders in our society have worked hard for the freedoms we all enjoy. They are learning why they should respect those who fought for their freedom. Veterans are learning that many young people care and share their passion for our country, and are truly interested in what they experienced.”

Veterans like Fred Rutledge now join others from Post 6 who speak to area students about WWII. Rutledge was a UNC student during WWII when he enlisted in the Army because of a strong sense of duty to his country. He now shares stories about his work as a counter–intelligence officer and his work on secret missions like the Manhattan Project with students.

The project has created quite a collection of paraphernalia from the era, parts of which are currently on display at the SC State Museum with the WWII exhibit. They will remain on display through June 12.

Inclusion in the exhibit is an honor. Many of the photographs included in the project have been donated by Libby Paul, one of the first subjects interviewed by students. She worked at home as the only woman in a factory that employed over 5,000 workers to build P38’s. She was also a USO dancer at Hollywood Canteen while her husband, Don, was on the front as a professional combat photographer.

Last spring, over 300 local veterans attended a performance based on their times by RNE’s performing arts students. These young artists created short plays and dramatic readings based on the veterans’ stories and letters. They delighted the packed house when they transformed themselves into USO dancers.

The project’s success has lead McLeod to seek and receive further grants for students to pursue other eras like Vietnam, the Korean War, and the Civil Rights Era. Plans are also in the works to begin work on Our Latest Generation, which will include veterans from recent conflicts like the Persian Gulf War and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

McLeod has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to Germany this summer. During his stay overseas, McLeod hopes to further his efforts to preserve and share history with his students.

McLeod is pleased to see the multi–faceted technology based learning tools of the 21st century helping students gain an appreciation of history which they can share with others. Their work will be shared with other teachers and schools to help convey knowledge and foster appreciation for the Greatest Generation and many others.