Materials have long been used by individuals reflecting on personal histories, and researchers have evidenced the associated therapeutic value particularly among older populations. In this article, we consider older veterans’ reminiscence through attending interviews and workshops, focussing on the performative potential of engaging with materials collected throughout their service lives. By considering their use of in situ and post-hoc materials, two themes are explored: the use of materials to build a sense of belonging; and making unknown histories knowable. We consider how their sharing of materials (re)produces their past and present military identities, simultaneously drawing boundaries of inclusion and exclusion around what it means to be military or non-military (civilian). Through sharing materials, veterans facilitated discussions with both military and non-military persons, enabling feelings of connection and belonging.

材料长期以来一直被个人用来反映个人历史，研究人员已经证明了相关的治疗价值，尤其是在老年人群中。在本文中，我们通过参加采访和研讨会来考虑老年退伍军人的回忆，重点关注参与在他们服役期间收集的材料的表演潜力。通过考虑他们对原地和事后材料的使用，探索了两个主题：使用材料建立归属感；并使未知的历史为人所知。我们考虑他们分享的材料（重新）如何产生他们过去和现在的军事身份，同时围绕军事或非军事（平民）的含义划定包容和排斥的界限。通过分享素材，