Re-enactors to provide history lesson

BUSHNELL -- On Saturday, re-enactors will commemorated the 60th anniversary of America's entry into the global conflict of the 1940s at the fifth annual World War II Commemorative Day at the Dade Battlefield State Historic Site in Bushnell.

Brian Kepner has organized about 100 World War II re-enactors and members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association for the event.

"This is a chance for us to educate people about this period in history," said Kepner, who has been a re-enactor for more than two decades. "If people can see what they wore and the tools they use, it can make history much more real for them."

Park manager Barbara Roberts said last year's event drew about 800 visitors, and she is hoping to have at least that many this year.

Living history encampments with tents, vehicles and other period military equipment will offer a glimpse into the life of a soldier in the 1940s.

Re-enactors and vehicle collectors from throughout the state will participate. Also, the Sumter County Veterans Service Office and local veterans groups will attend.

Although the event holds particular interest for those who lived during World War II, many younger visitors are eager to learn about the period as well, Kepner said.

Many of the re-enactors portraying American troops are with the 3rd Infantry Reenactor's Division of the 15th Regiment. Other Allied troops will be represented by re-enactors portraying British, Russian, Canadian and French soldiers of the period.

To give visitors a full picture of World War II, Kepner said, some re-enactors will portray German soldiers representing the 43rd Pioneer Battalion of army engineers and also the Gross Deutschland Panzer Grenadier Division.

No political views of the former Third Reich are intended by the display, Kepner said. The re-enactors represent only the common soldier who was drafted to fight in the German military.

Programs including uniform and weapons demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. Re-enactors will also compete in a "most authentic G.I. and Soldier contest."

Food and drink will be available.

If you go

The fifth annual World War II Commemorative Day will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Battlefield Parkway (County Road 603), off County Road 476, Bushnell. Cost is $3 per vehicle, which benefits the Dade Battlefield Society. Call (352) 793-4781.

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