As the United States marked 250 years of independence on July 4, 2026, one Indian American has dedicated his life to preserving a crucial chapter of the nation’s history. Rishi Sharma, an Indian-origin resident of the US, has spent more than a decade recording the personal experiences of World War II combat veterans to ensure their stories are remembered for generations.
At just 18 years old, shortly after graduating from high school, Sharma began his mission by interviewing veterans in his Southern California neighborhood. Over the years, his project expanded into a nationwide effort, taking him across all 50 US states as well as countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and France.
So far, Sharma has documented conversations with more than 3,000 World War II veterans and continues his mission to reach as many remaining survivors as possible. Through his project, Remember WWII, he records detailed interviews, preserves their memories, and shares these stories with families and the public.
Recently, Sharma interviewed 100-year-old Marine veteran Nils Mockler from Yorktown, New York. Mockler served as a combat intelligence scout and participated in the historic Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most significant and challenging battles of the US Marine Corps during World War II.
Sharma’s interest in World War II history was not influenced by a military background. His parents immigrated to the United States from India, and his family had no direct connection to the armed forces. Instead, his passion developed during his school years, inspiring him to learn about the sacrifices made by wartime generations.
The Remember WWII initiative operates through public donations, with contributions mainly supporting travel expenses and recording equipment. Sharma does not take a personal salary from the project. He also shares interviews on his YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to connect with veterans’ experiences.
When Sharma started documenting these stories, hundreds of thousands of World War II veterans were still alive. Today, only around 30,000 remain worldwide. He believes preserving their memories is important because their experiences represent more than historical events; they reflect the values, sacrifices, and resilience that shaped modern America.
Through his decade-long effort, Sharma is helping protect the legacy of a generation that played a major role in defending freedom and shaping the country’s future. His work serves as a reminder that personal stories are an essential part of preserving history.
