Snapshots of History at SMC: The American Soldier Exhibit

With Veteran’s Day on Friday, Saint Mary’s is honoring veterans in two places on campus—at the museum in The American Soldier exhibit and at the library, through an additional display of images and text about veterans with SMC connections. The Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art has been doing its part this semester to help honor and remember those who have served this country by providing a look into the fronts of major wars (Civil War, Spanish-American War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq) that the United States has taken part in. The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute, The Civil War to Iraq is displayed in the museum until Dec. 18, showcasing 115 photographs that give a closer look at the courage, humor, sacrifice, and victory of the soldiers.

With Saint Mary’s rich historical relations to the military, The American Soldier exhibit will hit close to home for many members of the community. Saint Mary’s is no stranger to the effects of war, providing education for many veterans and housing the military during World War II. In the library foyer is a display called The American Soldier and Saint Mary’s College, which celebrates the American soldier here at SMC and is affiliated with the museum’s exhibit. The monitor in the foyer displays pictures and articles of SMC community members who have served in the military or those with a personal relation to members of the community.

While the display in the library foyer is to help celebrate Saint Mary’s own connections to the military, the museum’s exhibit captures experiences of soldiers from all parts of the country. “When you are walking through the museum, the sheer scale of the images and the gripping moments on display beckon you to step inside the moment; a moment captured by a brave photojournalist,” said the museum’s Kyla Tynes, whose husband is an infantry marine and two-time veteran of the Iraq War. “The American Soldier exhibition brings up some tough questions about war, the price of war, ideals; elements that touch the core of our foundation as U.S. citizens. Likewise, these questions and ideas are an integral part of the deeper questioning and learning expected at Saint Mary’s College, particularly through the celebrated Great Books program.” This exhibit dives into the depths of American history and for those who do not have firsthand experience, allows a perspective not often shown of the soldiers as individuals by telling their stories.

A particular black-and-white photograph from World War I shows draftees waiting in line to trade in their civilian clothes, while men in the line next to them are already in their Army uniforms. This image shows how the contrast of clothing makes a difference in how the individuals are perceived. Another powerful image from the war in Afghanistan shows a staff sergeant saluting during a ceremony honoring the anniversary of Sept. 11, with a single tear streaming down her face. The photographs show the person behind the uniform, and really push the viewer to see the wars through a new lens.

Make sure to stop by the Museum of Art before Dec. 18 to remember those who have helped serve this country and the photojournalists who capture these real moments of the wars for all to see.

The American Soldier exhibit runs through Dec. 18, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission for military veterans, SMC faculty, staff, and students, museum members, and youth (K-12) is free; adults $5.