The Things They Left Behind: An American Military History

Bringing military history to life through the objects veterans carried into war

The commemoration of America's 250th anniversary offers a chance to engage with the stories of those who made wartime sacrifices throughout the nation's history. Since the creation of the all-volunteer force in the early 1970s, a decreasing number of Americans serve in the military. This results in an unprecedented disconnect between veterans and civilians that renders it difficult for many individuals transitioning from the military back into society. Increased rates of post-traumatic stress and suicides for post 9/11 veterans attest to the need for Americans to understand the consequences of war for the ones that serve and ensure the support they need.
This book helps bridge that gap between the front lines and the homefront by telling the stories of the people inside the uniforms. There exists an intimacy between those who experienced wartime and the things that they held onto. These objects retain the tales of heroism and sacrifice, of triumph and of loss, they offer timeless insights into our human condition. They link us to our past by providing a tangible connection to the humanity that constructed our nation's history.
Military history is central to America's past. Focusing on the specifications of weapons or battlefield details and statistics loses sight of the individuals who confronted duress with dignity. This project uses personal artifacts as a means to render military history accessible by revealing it through the eyes of the ordinary Americans who shaped it.