Every fall, the Wayne State College Library Archives presents the annual Wildcat Heroes exhibit, honoring the lives of WSC alumni who lost their lives serving as part of the U.S. military.
The exhibit can be found on the lower level of Conn Library. This year’s World War II Alumni display honors 35 alumni.
Along with printed stories of the students’ experiences, the showcase also presents their connections to the history of WSC and lives during World War II. The display cases are full of not only names and statistics, but strong human connections and stories that bring emotion.
Each account highlights a different journey. The display was designed to remind visitors that every student carried their own background, challenges and dreams into the war.
One compelling story outlines the Homecoming of 1946, in which soldiers were honored in the time of celebration. Six individuals were specifically honored for having completed Civil Aeronautics Authority War Flight Training.
This event, like many of the others described in the exhibit, captures the pride of the school, as well as the pain from the loss of these soldiers.
As for artifacts of the time, the exhibit showcases a dark wooden rifle. As the printed story beside it explains, the figure was used for training to allow soldiers to adjust to holding a weapon. The army provided dozens of them and ordered the soldiers to practice marching with them at their shoulders.
By showing many different voices and experiences, the exhibit reminds us that history is made up of more than just one story. Wildcat Heroes honors the sacrifices of each student and helps us remember that behind every artifact and name was a real person who once lived, studied and served.
The Wildcat Heroes exhibit serves as more than just a historical display. It is a real connection to the people and their stories behind the descriptions and artifacts. Together, these many stories create a display of resilience, sacrifice, and remembrance.
