Pines at Davidson veterans share their stories with the Library of Congress

DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — “Every story was different- you just never knew what the story was.”

Past the elevator on the second floor, just next to the bulletin board, is a living room that you could find in any retirement community.

But the comfy room, at the Pines at Davidson, transformed from a family room to a studio of sorts.

“One of the fabric flower chairs was in front of the fireplace,” remembered Margo Heyd, a resident at the Pines.

The chairs were moved to make room for cameras and lights — and no, we aren’t talking about the time our Queen City Hometown crew was there.

“But how were we going to do the technology part?” asked Margo.

“I knew we didn’t have the technological ability to do all this, so we had to get some youngsters to do that,” said Carlton Fulford, another Pines resident.

The technological help came from Davidson College student, Abby Murphy.

“I’m like sitting in this room and seeing the background where we filmed it,” laughed Abby.

So, why need cameras and lights and equipment?

Well, to collect stories, of course.

“I didn’t realize how much pressure we put these veterans under,” joked Abby.

In front of the fireplace, over several weeks, 37 veterans living at the Pines shared their stories for the Veterans History Project.

“Pearl Harbor was when I was 17, a senior in high school,” remembered Sam Maloney, a WWII veteran. “Everything changed.”

“I was in combat three times, so leading men in that environment was very challenging, but very rewarding,” said Carlton, a retired General in the Marines.

“My first mission, (was) getting shot up but never shot down,” said Sam. “Coming back with holes in your planes and an engine shot out.”

All of their stories were recorded, edited, and uploaded to the Library of Congress, where they will be saved and shared forever.

“It was quite an experience,” said Margo, who helped coordinate the entire project. “It’s emotional.”

For some, it was an end to a story they’d been carrying with them all their lives.

“I think the Veterans History Project was a way for him to get these stories off his chest,” remembered Abby, talking about one veteran who they interviewed. “It was like he had the opportunity to close that chapter of his life.”

For others, it was the first time they’d told their story.

“He had never told these stories to his family ever,” said Abby, talking about another veteran.

“His daughter and granddaughter came with him. They had never heard his story,” remembered Carlton.

Trust us — trust them — it’s not as complicated as it all looks.

It doesn’t matter if it’s around a coffee table- or in front of a camera- stories are meant to be shared.

To hear the stories of the veterans at the Pines, click here.