LI bunkers to bomber jackets: 20 relics from World War II

This is a medal Lewis Cianca received from the Navy... — This is a medal Lewis Cianca received from the Navy for being underage when enlisting into the service, shown at his Westbury home on May 12, 2015. Tens of thousands of children were among World War II's combatants, including Cianca, who enlisted just before his 16th birthday. Credit: Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr.

By AMY ONORATOamy.onorato@newsday.comMay 21, 2015

Seventy years have passed since World War II came to an end in 1945. Though the war is long over, the impact of those events changed the world and left a lasting impression on many Long Islanders who fought overseas and on the home front.

Some Long Island veterans decided to hold on to their spoils of war -- pieces of their shot-up airplanes, sword marked with symbol of long-lost enemies, badges of honor -- testaments to their lives in service.

Here is our growing collection of relics from World War II, featuring items from Long Island and New York residents, historical societies and museums.

If you, or someone you know, has an item to share -- or a story to tell -- contact Amy Onorato at amy.onorato@newsday.com.

And for mobile users, click on the link above to see the list.

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