Veterans are receiving less respect from younger generations, Charles Sooy believes, and he is set on changing that through education.

Sooy led a program at the Wareham Historical Society on Monday to share his research on those in Wareham who died serving in the military.

Sooy has compiled lists of those from Wareham who died by carefully combing through old newspapers. He has several homemade books with obituaries, information on how each person died, stories about their lives and facts about their families. He has researched the names of veterans on plaques, parks and bridges in Wareham, finding the stories that go with the name.

Sooy even found some names on plaques around town that were incorrect or listed a different war than the person being honored was actually part of. He has compiled two books, each which took three to four months.

Sooy hopes his endeavors will give families closure and give people respect for the lives that were lost.

“Our heritage is disappearing,” Sooy said. He said respect for the military is seldom taught or recognized anymore. Sooy also wants to inform people on the meaning of Memorial Day and teach that it is more than just a day off to have a barbecue.

Sooy donated a copy of the books he has made to the Wareham Free Library. He also loans out his materials to people who are interested in doing research of their own.