Most people know about Civil War re-enactors but not so many know about the ones for World War II. However, this group is growing rapidly.
"This is living history that the public can see up close and touch. It's an experience that they can not get from movies or books," said Kent Berg.
Both Russo and LeTourneau had relatives who fought in World War II but died before their stories could be fully told. Since there are so few WWII veterans around these days (an 18-year-old in 1941 would be 92 today) it is a race to preserve their memories. reenactments can bring out this hidden side of history, especially when veterans attend. It is also an opportunity for veterans to connect with each other.
Kyle, a 31-year-old Iraq and Afghanistan veteran from Rockford has been reenacting since he was 16. He says the best part of it is the camaraderie among his unit and the connections they make with the veterans who attend.
For example, at a 2012 event he witnessed a German veteran who was a tank commander meeting a former Russian tank commander.
"They were both involved in the Battle of Kursk, one of the largest tank battles ever fought before desert Storm. Atone time they were locked in deadly combat. To see them come together now and share laughs and stories is one of my best memories," said Kyle.
--GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
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