Rockford, Ill. – What began as a temporary tribute to the city’s military heroes has now become a permanent feature of the Rockford Area Museum. Volunteer Denise Bradley, who launched the exhibit just before Memorial Day, said the steady flow of visitors convinced museum leadership to keep the collection on display year‑round.
Stories Behind the Uniforms
Each uniform in the exhibit is paired with a personal narrative, allowing visitors to connect faces, names, and deeds to the fabric of history. Bradley highlighted a few of the most memorable stories. Tracy Skeels, a 1976 graduate of Rockford High School, was one of the elite eight pilots who performed the aerial sequences for the 1986 film Top Gun. Another piece belongs to Francis Paepke, a World II Women’s Army Corps member who, due to a shortage of women’s uniforms, wore a men’s World I outfit while serving overseas.
Bradley also recounted the harrowing experience of Ardon Ives, who survived a crash on the deck of the USS Lexington. After being transferred to the USS Yorktown, Ives was killed in 1945 when his ship was lost in combat. The exhibit even includes a uniform belonging to Don Rinehart, a local teacher who protected entertainer Bob Hope during a USO tour.
Community Support Fuels Growth
The collection started with Bradley’s father’s uniform coat and quickly expanded as other veterans and families contributed their own garments and histories. “I started with my dad’s coat, got the word out, and everyone was so helpful,” Bradley said. The museum now holds dozens of donated or loaned items, each accompanied by a handwritten or recorded account.
Rockford Area Museum Director Ian McCormick praised the exhibit’s impact, noting that it resonates with a wide audience. “No matter who you are, you know someone who served. When you walk into a museum, you’re looking for something you can relate to, and everybody can relate to military service,” he said.
Visiting Information and Holiday Plans
The museum welcomes guests Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with appointments available for larger groups or special tours. In addition to the permanent veteran display, the museum will host a “Hero’s Tree” for the Christmas season, featuring photographs of Rockford service members and first responders. Residents are encouraged to submit pictures or additional uniforms for inclusion.
Bradley expressed pride in preserving the legacy of Rockford’s service members. “I just wanted to honor our soldiers from Rockford, and I never imagined it would become this popular,” she said. The permanent exhibit stands as a testament to the community’s respect for those who have defended the nation and a reminder that their stories continue to inspire future generations.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
