Encampments with tents, vehicles and other period military equipment will offer a glimpse into the life of a soldier in the 1940s.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published August 1, 2003
BUSHNELL - History will come alive Saturday at the sixth annual World War II Commemorative Day at the Dade Battlefield State Historic Site.
About 100 re-enactors and members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association will portray the nations and military branches involved in the global conflict, marking the 58th anniversary of the war's end.
Organizers say last year's event drew about 800 visitors, and more are expected this year.
"A lot of people have really come to look forward to this event," said park manager Barbara Roberts. "It's a nice tradition for a lot of families."
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 veteran groups will attend.
Although the event holds particular interest for those who lived during WWII, many younger visitors are eager to learn about the period, Kepner said.
Many of the re-enactors portraying American troops are with the 3rd Infantry Re-enactors 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 the war, organizers say some re-enactors will portray German soldiers representing the 43rd Pioneer Battalion of army engineers and also the Gross Deutschland Panzer Grenadier Division.
There is no intent to promote the political views of the Third Reich, 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 throughout the day. Re-enactors will also compete in a "most authentic GI and soldier contest."
Food and drinks will be available.
- Joy Davis-Platt covers Hernando County arts and entertainment and can be reached at 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
If you go
WHAT: Sixth annual World War II Commemorative Day
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Bushnell. From Interstate 75 (exit 314), travel east on State Road 48 to Battlefield Drive. From U.S. 301, travel west on County Road 476 to Battlefield Drive.
ADMISSION: $3 per vehicle, which benefits the Dade Battlefield Society.
