At Mission Roll Call, we believe every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and remembered. Whether they served decades ago or just recently transitioned to civilian life, their experiences, sacrifices, and values shape the strength of our nation. 

That’s why we’re proud to highlight the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ new “Living Veteran” page, an extension of the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) that empowers veterans to take charge of their own legacy while they’re still with us. 

What Is the Living Veteran Page? 

Traditionally, the Veterans Legacy Memorial has been a space to honor those who have passed. It’s a growing digital tribute that allows families and loved ones to share stories, photos, and memories of veterans interred in VA national cemeteries. 

Now, with the launch of the Living Veteran page, that tribute expands to include living veterans. This online profile gives veterans the chance to shape how they are remembered, share their military service history, and connect with their community in a meaningful way—right now. 

Each living veteran’s page includes: 

• Service details such as branch, rank, medals, and deployment history
  

• A short biography written by the veteran
  

• A space for personal photos and reflection
  

• A guestbook for friends, family, and supporters to leave messages 

Why It Matters 

This update is more than just a technical feature. It’s a recognition that veterans’ stories don’t start and stop with their service. They’re ongoing and the lives they touch are countless. 

Many veterans find it hard to talk about their service or feel their experiences are misunderstood. The Living Veteran page offers a safe and accessible platform to share those moments, in their own words, on their own terms. It allows veterans to define their identity beyond the uniform, sharing what they’re proud of, what they’ve overcome, and what they stand for. 

It also offers families a way to celebrate their loved ones while they’re still here, building connection and gratitude across generations. 

For those of us who support veterans—through advocacy, family ties, or simply by listening—this platform helps us understand them better and honor them in more personal ways. 

Who Can Create a Page? 

Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge are eligible. They can create their profiles through VA.gov and will need to verify their identity through a Login.gov, ID.me, or DS Logon account. 

Once the profile is created, veterans can add personal details, upload photos, and invite others to view and interact with their page. The VA moderates content to ensure accuracy and respectful engagement. 

How to Get Started 

If you’re a veteran ready to share your story—or you know one who should—here’s how to begin: 

1. Visit the Living Veteran Page on VL
2. Sign in using a secure VA-approved account
3. Follow the prompts to create your Living Veteran profile
4. Add your service history, bio, and personal touches
5. Share your page with family and friends 

A Step Toward Connection 

At Mission Roll Call, we work to ensure veterans and their families are seen, heard, and valued. The VA’s Living Veteran page aligns with that mission, giving veterans the microphone to tell their own stories, in their own voices. 

This isn’t just about history. It’s about legacy. It’s about showing our children, our neighbors, and our nation who these men and women really are. Not just as service members, but as teachers, parents, volunteers, entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders. 

In a time when connection and understanding are more important than ever, the Living Veteran page offers both. We encourage every eligible veteran to take advantage of it, and every supporter to visit, read, and share these incredible stories. Let’s honor our heroes and celebrate their lives—not just their service.