Imprints of Honor Bridges Generations
Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Blanka Thomas
In 2004, history teacher Barbara Hatch was struck by a student’s question: “Is ‘Saving Private Ryan’ real?” This simple inquiry sparked a movement that would touch the lives of nearly 60,000 Arizona students and thousands of veterans. Hatch began inviting World War II veterans to speak to her class — those who signed up to give the “last full measure of devotion” for our country.
From these humble beginnings, Hatch’s effort expanded over the years to become the award-winning nonprofit known as Veterans Heritage Project. Now, as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is rebranding itself as Imprints of Honor. Last month, the elegant showroom of Sanderson Lincoln Boutique in Scottsdale Quarter buzzed with anticipation as veterans, students and community leaders gathered to unveil the organization’s new identity.
“I’m excited for the rebranding to Imprints of Honor,” says Michelle DiMuro, the program’s executive director. “I think the name helps us stand apart, connects to the character development and lasting impact made on our students, and honors our veterans’ legacy of service beyond self.”
While the name has changed, the mission hasn’t. The personal histories of veterans provide character and civic education, inspire patriotism and give youth the chance to interact with these community heroes. Student chapter participants have conducted nearly 3,000 interviews and published the impactful personal stories in 20 volumes, titled “Since You Asked,” all preserved in the Library of Congress.
At the conclusion of each school year, veterans are honored at regional community receptions and book signings. They attend as honored guests, signing books for students and receiving their oral history recordings and a copy of the book, which becomes a cherished family heirloom.
In the 2023–24 school year, 30 school partners participated, reaching students ranging from seventh through 12th grade. School chapters typically act as after-school clubs led by dedicated teachers who are passionate about connecting students and veterans. Some schools, including Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale, have made Imprints of Honor an academic class that meets history and English standards. Last year alone, 205 students interviewed 244 veterans, and the organization awarded 10 college scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $17,500 per year for four years.
While Imprints of Honor is an Arizona-founded program, other states are embracing its value, with pilot programs taking off in Tennessee and Florida.
Kerry Ahern, Imprints of Honor’s board president, shared a personal testament to the program’s impact at the rebranding celebration. His daughter, a four-year participant at Cactus Shadows High School, interviewed a Vietnam War veteran, a World War II veteran and a Gold Star mother.
“She couldn’t have gotten the same perspective from a book or a classroom lecture,” Ahern observed, proudly noting that she recently graduated from the University of Arizona and continues to volunteer at Imprints of Honor events.
Students take more into adulthood than just the stories they’ve transcribed. The intangible benefits include interviewing, writing and editing skills, mentorship by American heroes, and a sense of connection to their communities and nation. Veteran participants have expressed how impressed they are with the students they encounter, witnessing firsthand the transfer of patriotism and duty to the next generation.
DiMuro is excited about the future of Imprints of Honor.
“I am looking forward to growing our program outreach within the education community,” she says. “We’re demonstrating how our curriculum provides character education as well as approved activities for the Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy.”
The organization is also exploring various implementation models.
“In addition to our after-school chapter model, we offer the program as a capstone project for high school seniors or even as an extracurricular class,” DiMuro explains. “We also have an online independent contributor option for home-schooled students or students who want to participate but don’t yet have Imprints of Honor in their school. As we partner with more schools, we can then connect more students with veterans and fulfill our mission.”
With each story preserved, each veteran honored and each student inspired, Imprints of Honor continues to weave a rich tapestry of American heritage. As the organization steps into its third decade, it stands as a testament to the power of connection, the importance of remembrance and the enduring spirit of service that defines our nation.
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