World War II Revisited Saturday & Sunday 25-26MAY2013 20th century living history programs began with the first "WWII Revisited" on Memorial Day Weekend 1999. They have educated the public ever since. We are into our second decade with World War Two and we can't begin to offer enough praise for the reenactors who make it all possible.
The First in Flight Entertainment team of Heidi, Erinn, Serah and Nelson (not pictured) wowed the troops and crowd with their "Letters from Home" tour. We decided to lead off the photo selection with this group shot.
Lucy and Ray Partenheimer stand guard at the Axis camp.
It was a beautiful weekend for the event. Special thanks goes out to the 45th Infantry Division and 82nd Airborne groups for support.
Medic Pete Michel discusses combat medicine at the aid station..
Our French Resistance fighter flirts with the boys prior to guiding them to the Nazi positions.
Captain Gray briefs the patrol.
The American briefing continues. The grounds of the museum are perfect for the photographic interpretation of WWII France. Visitors can frame their photos in such a way so that it really seems like you're "over there."
. . . .and immediately comes under fire.
Allied smoke causes confusion for the Krauts.
The American line breaks through the heavy cover while still engaged with the Germans.
The visitors to the tactical battle really get an up close and personal view of the action. While most public demonstrations of WWII infantry battles take place in unrealistic settings with the audience far away, the grounds of the museum offers an "ant-farm" view of the action where the crowd may actually feel the concussive shock of the small arms fire. This birds-eye view along with a narration of action via loudspeaker makes for an educational experience.
With their backs against a wall, the Germans have no choice but to surrender to the Americans as a small squad flanked their position. At the conclusion of the battle, all sides rested and relaxed in preparation for the Andrews Sisters Tribute, "Letters from Home."
The newest addition to the museum's education collection is a running 1945 Willys jeep and shown here all tricked out with Joel Pannebakers combat gear. We planned to give the girls a ride to the stage.
A pre-flight inspection. There's not a Motor-T NCO among this group . .
This was just so cool!
They sang,They danced,They flirted with the guests.
It was wonderful! Check out the pictures and movies on our facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pennsylvania-Military-Museum-Real-fb-page/113201748703167
We wish to thank Giant Markets, Wegmans of State College, and The Olive Garden for their gracious corporate food donations. The members of the 28th Infantry Division (Recreated), 137th Austrian Gebergjaegers, State College Chapter of the Red Cross and all associated living history participants and volunteers welcome you to our next event.
View the "Andrews Sisters" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J_gBfP0CMQ
Public Radio report on the 2010 event see: WPSU Report
