Last Saturday I attended a WWII living history day. It was my first WWII reenactment I've been to, and I loved it! The town it was held in was quite small, and they had gone to great lengths to make it as real as possible. There was an old truck and car parked along the street.
Posters in store windows encouraged citizens to buy war bonds. A recruiting station across the street from the court house. A Canteen diner was selling root beer floats, Coca-colas (in glass bottles), and pop corn.
You could sit and listen to veterans tell their stories though out the day, or you could walk down the street and browse though the swap-meet army items.
Even though the main street was blocked off to traffic, you still had to be careful when crossing the street due to army motorcycles, and other army vehicles driving back and forth as they gave rides to young children.
Soldiers and sailors walked leisurely around as young girls with red lipstick and victory rolled hair hurried by.
The battle took place in the street. It started with young ladies screaming as they ran down the street, holding onto their hats. Soon the firing started. Motorcycles drove up and down. A German sniper in an upstairs court house window yelled to his fellow men in German.
As the American GI's advanced upon the Germans's, tin cans were lit which caused a small cloud of smoke. After smoking for a few seconds, the can produced sparks and more smoke. Soon all the Germans within 'smoke range' were laying on the ground . . . victims of war.
Our brave men advanced enough to get some prisoners, as well as to take over the court house.
Hitler's flag fell prey to the hero's of the battle.
Old Glory, proclaiming victory to the citizens.
As much as I enjoy Civil War reenactments, I believe I enjoy - no . . . appreciate. . . - a WWII reenactment better. I am two generations away from the people who lived during that time. I can go and hear their stories in person, not just read it from a book.
I love keeping history alive by participating in reenactments, but I feel that we have lost the realization that we are portraying events that really did take place. It has become too much of an enjoyable hobby; at least with Civil War reenactments.
