AMERICA IN WORLD WAR II: The Greatest Generation in Uniform

Veterans Day is celebrated in November and is a time to remember and honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The Livingston Public Library is exhibiting local resident Charles Budzinski’s collection of military memorabilia for the first half of November.

This engaging display presents a sample of uniforms worn by members of the armed forces during the war years 1941 to 1945 and through the occupations of 1946 and beyond. These uniforms are part of a collection amassed over the past 35 years, and were acquired in a wide variety of sources, such as flea markets, garage sales,  militaria swap meets and vintage clothing stores.

“ They are presented exactly as found, and have not been added to or modified by me,” says Charles.

Charles began collecting uniforms such as these while completing his military training at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia in 1985, and continues to collect through the present. 

In Charles’ words, “I find it particularly fascinating that so much of the wearer’s service can be read from the insignia present. As I was once told, military uniforms present their owner’s resume.  I have attempted to give some insight into this history with the informational labels throughout the display.”

Thank you, Veterans!

-Archana Chiplunkar, Adult Services Librarian