Sunday Series: The Uniform

Yesterday I made a point to walk over to the Bronxville Elementary School auditorium to view the Bronxville Veterans' Memorial. The scene outside the school, where a Pet Adoption Day was being held, was decidedly festive, with pop music blaring, the smell of popcorn wafting through the air, and dozens of cats and dogs on display.

Inside, the feeling was more subdued, and, entering the auditorium, a feeling of reverence overtook me. Several visitors walked slowly amongst the displays of vintage World War II posters, personal letters home from local vets overseas, and photographs of heroes past and present. At the far end of the room I found a uniform and other items on loan from Jack Bierwirth, a Bronxville resident.  Jack's paternal grandfather fought in the first World War, and the uniform was his.  It's been well preserved, the uniform's fabric as strong and resilient as those who wore it.