I was wondering what wars are reenacted throughout the world. I was surprised when I found out there were WWII reenactments. If any of you have been to any other war reenactments besides of the Civil War what are they like? Unfortunately, I have only been to two small Civil War reenactments.
This is one of the WWII reenactments I found on You Tube
Last edited on Mon Mar 2nd, 2009 10:20 pm by 1861-65
____________________ That old man...had my division massacred at Gettysburg!"
- George Pickett said these words to John S. Mosby shortly after paying Lee a visit in Richmond
"Well, it made you famous"
- Mosby's reply to Pickett
THere are WW2, WW1, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Napoleanic, Franco Prussian War, Ancient Roman, Viking, War of the Roses re-enactors that I have heard of. Hell, I heard last night that there were some people that wanted to put together a Gulf War re-enactment unit!
Wow, I wonder what the veterans think of seeing people reenact a war they fought in?
Last edited on Tue Mar 3rd, 2009 09:24 pm by 1861-65
____________________ That old man...had my division massacred at Gettysburg!"
- George Pickett said these words to John S. Mosby shortly after paying Lee a visit in Richmond
"Well, it made you famous"
- Mosby's reply to Pickett
At Fort MacArthur in San Pedro California they do a marching though history event in July each year. There are people at this even from all wars you could think of. We are there with the Drum Barracks, of course, next to us was Cabrillo and his soldiers (they explored California ). On the other side California Dragoons from Fort Tejon. I had two Drummers playing in front of our booth . One was Renaissance Faire and one was Civil War drummers. Across from us one year was a Vietnam Hootch, another year a 14th century Polish company, This last year was pirates.
We have seen Roman Legions marching down the street stopped by Western "Wyatt Earp and brothers " type group. They were nose to nose til a Sheriff type stopped them.
Mountain men, French and Indian War, Spanish Civil War on and on are all there.
They do demonstrations and all kinds of activities then just for the fun of it they put all the soldiers on the field at once. One year they gave the gatling gun to the Romans.
From the veterans I've talked to... they aren't keen. Especially the combat vets when they see re-enactors who make light or are just "playing war."
I'm reminded of an incident at an event where we had an encampment; a WW2 Pacific War vet was there and quite interested. He listened to our whole speal and stayed after. He said that he really enjoyed listening to us talk of a soldier's life in the field, wasn't as far off of his own experiance as he had expected. He then told us about attending a WW2 re-enactment and discovered that one of the units was not only portraying his old Division but his old Company. He stayed after their talk and offered to show them how they actually wore their gear and how they carried their weapons a little differently than the re-enactors. He was rebuffed by being told that they had used photos and movie reals to get their gear and such correct. In short saying that they knew better than a man who had been there. The veteran nodded and smiled slightly then explained that the photos & movie they described watching had been done in Hawaii, before they went into combat.
The most fun I had last year was spending three days at a multi-period event. When I had the chance to wander round I was really impressed at the variety of periods being re-created, from Greeks and Romans through to the present day. Other than the East German border guards, the most obscure impression I saw was the Regency ladies' dining club who were opposite our company street and would dress very well then sit down to a luxury silver service meal. Us Union privates wondered if fixed bayonets could reach the fruit bowl but didn't dare try...
Johan Steele wrote: From the veterans I've talked to... they aren't keen. Especially the combat vets when they see re-enactors who make light or are just "playing war."
Before I started re-enacting one of the qualms I had was the idea of playing war whilst good friends of mine were (and still are) serving on the front line.
I see re-enactment as a form of education, both for myself and for the public. We can't demonstrate the true terror and horror of war, but as educators we mustn't gloss over it. As for you example Johan, frankly those re-enactors ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Next to the Civil War, I would believe the Revolutionary War is next on the list for most often battles reenacted here in the old USA. Very active groups with period clothing, encampments, and equipment. Lots of activities besides the actual battle reenactments.
Usually these are also staged with the Long hunters, French & Indian Wars, and other colonial period events.
If you like the Civil War reenactments, you will also love the Rev War reenactments.
By the way the History Channel show, "Warriors" with Terry Schappert, is really good program to see other types of reenactments. They did an episode on the Vikings that was outstanding. They even built Viking ships! These guys were serious.
Buzzard
____________________ "the way to whip an enemy is to get 'em skeered, and then keep the skeer on 'em"
