muddyboots wrote:
To reply to your previous version of the reply, no, that's not it at all: You're entitled your opinion, but it sounds like you've decided you think reenactors are pointless and that is all there is to it. But how can you even have a valid opinion of reenacting unless you have been a reenactor, and actually KNOW from EXPERIENCE what it is about? And if all you see is grown men (and women) playing dress up, then the point is quite far from you at this point- you do not understand what it is about, or why it is done. You have just seen something you do not understand, and criticized and condemned it.
Once you have spent a few years doing all types of reenactment events- private tactical events, public events, displays, parades, etc., and made the investments, both monetary and emotional, talked with the vets(getting fewer by the hour) who were there, who bring their kids, grandkids, great grandkids, over to point at you, your gear, vehicle, etc. and say things like "I used to carry one of those at Normandy...", "I haven't seen one of those in years", "Where did you find one of OUR jeeps?!"(Actual quote from the commander, D Troop, 4th Armd/25 Cav Rcn Sqn. Mecz when he saw MY restored and equipped Willys MB at their 1986 reunion at Valley Forge Pa. He then proceeded to drive my jeep, equipped as one of theirs down to the armor plate and radio, around the area with several other WWII vets of the unit with him) THEN maybe you can criticize reenactors. These are the guys we learn a lot from: and we are doing our best to learn before they are gone. And nothing gets more info out of a vet than showing up dressed like he did in his youth- and letting him "play" with the equipment, vehicles and weapons he lived with for up to 5 years of his life fighting in the largest war in history. The look of gratitude when they explain to someone who wants to listen makes it really worthwhile.
I had an encounter with a WWII B-17 radio operator a couple years ago, at Ft. Indiantown gap which is one of the greatest ones I can think of: Hu Peterson was shot down on the first raid on Berlin in March 1944. I was walking across between buildings at the Gap a couple years back when I ran into him and his son, trying to find something. They'd heard about the event, and the son decided to bring his father out- to try to bring out some memories. He looked at me, in my flight suit, A2, and hat, and commented, "I see you've got your crush cap!" And we started talking. I found out he'd been shot down on that particular mission, and was a POW for the remainder of the war. He and I talked for half an hour, and we made arrangements to meet again, later in the day, when more of the guys in my group were there. Well, he showed up just as we were about to reenact a downed airman capture scenario. Hu discussed it with the member of our group who was to be the captured airman, and then sat through it with a front row seat. He was rather moved, and opened up with lots more info about his experiences during the war, both in England, and as a POW. His son later told us he'd never heard these stories. Such as how the rear door on the B-17 wouldn't open, and one of the waist gunners pushed him out of the way, and shouldered through it; the feeling of not falling when he WAS falling through the air after bailing out. How he landed in a group of farmers, but was saved by the Wehrmacht troops nearby. How he was transported in a KDF Beetle Army staff car, and was whistling the Beer Barrel Polka to himself(it was popular at the time) and the German driver becoming suspicious that he spoke German when he had said he didn't... All sorts of personal memories which will be lost to time once that generation passes, unless they come forward with them- And reenactors HELP that process- by giving them a catalyst, a reason to bring up little details, and talk to people who ARE interested. Oh- and Hu JOINED our reenactment group. Not as an active participant(he is in his mid 80's) but as a friend- Every Reading he shows up at our encampment to say HI, and let us know he's still going.
And the vets enjoy us as well- as I said before, I used to have WWII, Korea & Vietnam vets running around in the field with us when I started in the early '80s. The WWII guys are out of it for the most part now, there are still a few Korean War vets about, and a good number of Vietnam vets. One of my best friends in my unit was a Vietnam vet who was shot down in Huey Slicks with 1st Cav Airmobile a few times. His first major event, he took a nap midday, and woke up during a firefight. He had an interesting wakeup...
Like someone criticizing the military, you don't know nothing unless you been in and done it. So I hereby invite you to find the nearest reenactment group to you- nearest not as to simple physical location, but rather to interests- aviation, infantry, armor, etc. and spend five years- collecting, learning, participating, and then maybe I'll accept your opinions. Of course, by then maybe you'll understand.
Put up, or shut up. We'd enjoy having you- with military experience, it helps the group the most- because your knowledge helps others learn. After you've had a few tacticals where your military training assists you in teaching the young'uns a few things, maybe then you'd appreciate that too.
Reenacting: it is a learning experience- not a macho trip.Yes, you get yo-yos who like to play army- till they have been around a bit, and grow up and take their impression seriously. And yes- lots of us like to go to the local watering holes in our impression- but we usually do it en masse, and at the same places each year, where, in many cases, they KNOW us, and appreciate our business. And the locals know we are coming- many like to hang out or chat when we are there.
Scott
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