JEFF HUNTLEY Polli Schildge and daughter Sofie check some of the veterans’ displays at Deane Porter School in Rumson. The project got started last year when Connie Gryczka, at right, created a display from her own memorabilia at Forrestdale School.
With the passage of time, it is all too easy to forget the human costs of war. In times of peace, thoughts for those serving in the military can get pushed aside for other, seemingly more pressing concerns. But at the bottom of it all, the men and women of the military hold a special place in America, not just for their service, but for their direct connection to each of us. A recent project in Rumson schools is bringing that home to the students.
Students and faculty at Deane Porter and Forrestdale schools have put together displays of pictures, writings and memorabilia this month to honor and remember veterans. The displays covers six wars, five continents, four oceans and four military branches.
Last year, Connie Gryczka, the visual arts teacher at Forrestdale School, made a small display of memorabilia from her private collection, along with items from other faculty members at the school. "I did this last year with the faculty at the school," Gryczka said. "Polli [Schildge, a parent in the district] instigated it this year. This time, though, it was opened up to all of the children at these two schools. It was up to the parents for the children to bring stuff in."
The pictures displayed in the entryways of the schools are timeless, as are the memories of the survivors. Unfortunately, though, the numbers of World War II veterans are diminishing. This is a major reason that Schildge, a Rumson resident and mother of six, decided that these displays needed to be shown to the whole community. "I felt that I had to do something," Schildge said. "This vast resource of living history is diminishing. It needs to be preserved."
In mid-October, Schildge brought the expanded idea to the principal of the Deane Porter School, Kathi Cronin, who loved the idea. So Schildge joined with Barbara Stender, an art teacher, and began mounting letters and pictures.
Gryczka once again designed the presentation at Forrestdale School, but this time students were involved. "I am very happy with how teachers in this school used the subject in relation to teaching their classes," she said. "Obviously, history lessons were involved, but it was really great how Mr. Shanley, the sixth-grade language arts teacher, had his students write letters to their families thanking the veterans."
Schildge’s father and inspiration, Richard Heh, even came in to talk with the students about his experiences in the Air Force after he was shot down and became a prisoner of war under the Nazis.
The exhibits have affected the students, but even more so the residents who went to the schools to vote. "The response of people was very surprising to me. People lingered here. They stopped and read everything," explained Gryczka.
Added Schildge: "This has evoked so much emotion in people. People in the community saw their own pictures, or pictures of their loved ones. They were so proud. Some seniors on election night had tears in their eyes while they were checking everything out. It is wonderful how it brought everyone together."
Nancy Guthrie, principal of Forrestdale School, said, "I think that this is a wonderful way for our children to honor those who fought for our freedom. It especially made an impact on Election Day when people came in to vote. It’s nice for the community to see. It is also a nice prelude to the World War II Memorial being built in Washington, D.C."
"This was a last minute thing," Cronin said. "So many parents were excited when they saw the displays. We will definitely be doing this next year."
This has become so important to people that the high school has plans to come up with their own exhibit in January. The response was so good, and so many more responses are expected next year, that Schildge said the PTA will become involved.
The exhibits, themed in red, white, blue and gray, cover everything from the Revolutionary War to the recent USS Cole bombing in Yemen. They have been up since Nov. 3 and will stay up until Nov. 22.