Photo: QueensPost
May 27, 2012 By Christian Murray
Abdel Rios, the owner of Skillman Pets, is an avid historian—particularly when it comes to the US military.
Rios has created an elaborate WWII exhibit at his 49-16 Skillman Avenue store in honor of Memorial Day. He has been buying authentic items on E-Bay that reflect a soldier’s life in the US armed forces during WWII. One item that was particularly hard to find was the 48 star US Flag.
“Too many people have forgotten our history,” Rios said. “I put this up to remind everyone about the greatest generation.”
Rios’ own son is currently serving in the military. He served a year in Afghanistan and then enlisted in the Navy.
Rios and his staff also plan to observe the Memorial Day holiday by wearing “Kilroy was Here” T-shirts. This tagline was often spray painted on buildings and ships in the 1940s and ‘50s.
He invites people into his store to catch a glimpse of the following collectible items Monday-Saturday from 10am-8pm.
EXHIBIT: WWII collectibles:
WWII US M-1 Combat helmet
WWII US Military Metal Canteen w/ Canvas Cover
WWII US Army TL-122-C Flashlight
WWII Taylor Leedawl Military Bakelite compass
WWII ARMY Technical Sergeant’s EISENHOWER “IKE” Jacket & Garrison Cap
WWII SIGNAL CORP FREQUENCY Generator BC-906D (MAY,1944) w ORIGINAL WOODEN Crate
WWII RCA MI-2475 Radio Headset with mic.
WWII J 38 US Military Morse Code Telegraph Key
Two Military Issue WWII Maps, Germany – Hamburg-Berlin
WW2 US Army-Airforce Photo-Recon Magnifiers
Vintage WWII era Kodak 35mm Rangefinder camera
WWII 1943 Soldier “V-mail” letters with original stamp & postmark
Various original WWII era Chesterfield Cigarette Magazine Ads
Lucky Strikes cigarette pack with Zippo lighter
Various WWII era propaganda posters, Earl Morgan Pin-up Girl & post cards and finally an original 1942 NYS license plate (for those who remember).
