Continuing to help preserve the stories and experiences of America's military veterans, the Williamsport Sun-Gazette's second volume of its "Defenders of Freedom" book is set to be released to the public Nov. 29.
The book will go on sale Thursday at the Williamsport Sun-Gazette offices, 252 W. Fourth St., and will sell for $34.95.
"The Williamsport Sun-Gazette is proud to release Volume 2 in its popular 'Defenders of Freedom' series," said Publisher Bernard A. Oravec. "We have gathered an additional 70 stories to be included in Volume 2. The book is in full color with over 300 pages and includes hundreds of photographs of veterans and military memorabilia."
As Oravec explained, the series runs most Mondays in the Sun-Gazette and allows a veteran to talk about their experiences in the military from their own perspective. He added that it is from the articles in this series that the second book is compiled.
" 'Defenders of Freedom' chronicles the military experience of our veterans from World War II through the Vietnam War," Oravec said. "On most Mondays we dedicate a page to our military veterans and we've taken the best of these pages to complete this compilation."
Oravec also added that veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War and Korean War have taken priority because the Sun-Gazette wants to ensure their stories are told. He also said how pleased he is that Vietnam veterans can be a part of the series.
"We were especially happy to include stories of Vietnam veterans," Oravec said. "Over the years we have found that Vietnam veterans have become more open to talking about their experiences."
But as the series continues, readers can expect to see more stories from veterans of more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And for those who have yet to pick up the first book, it can be purchased at the Sun-Gazette, as well.
"A limited number of Volume 1 is still available and are on sale for $14.95 each," Oravec said.
Oravec said the newspaper was "determined" to publish a second volume after the reaction it received from its first book.
"We have found that the veterans and their families were very complimentary of Volume 1, and because of their reaction we were determined to put out a second edition to honor them," he concluded.
