Meeting with Veterans

[Gjr.Goethe]

I moved out to California nearly a decade ago, and in that time have only met with one Veteran at an event and it was very brief.

When I lived in Florida and did coastal artillery I met many during public displays, and enjoyed speaking with them immensely.

I really don't want to be kicking myself when their time has all but passed, and I feel like I missed the chance to talk to an inspirational person who lived through the experiences we all cherish.

So my question is when is the next event where I could get a chance to sit and talk to a WWII veteran?

Cheers,
Aaron

[fwvredenburg]

THE FORT MACARTHUR EVENT 2ND WEEKEND IN JULY

AND MARCHING THRU HISTORY FIRST WEEKEND IN OCT.
PUT ON BY AM-VETS

CHINO AIR SHOW ALSO COMING UP IN MAY

[PRESIDENT]

The best bet is to go to the public events as fwvredenburg had mentioned. That's where the most vets come out and is most conducive to interacting with them. The other events, which are tacticals, can be difficult to get face time and sometimes the environment makes it difficult for them to come out.

You can also visit your local VA hospital or a California Veterans Home. There is a new one in West Los Angeles. I've met a few veterans there (recently met one who was a radio operator aboard a B-29 in the Pacific). A lot of them are at the age and condition that they can't come out of their living environments. So, sometimes, you have to go to them.

[davep]

It's all about attendance - you can't win if you don't play.

Veterans at events?

Here are just a few examples, Airshows, Parades, and Events.







All Re-enactors at the Camp Roberts
Cross at Lorraine exercise.

I want to thank you all for an experience of a lifetime. I was proud to be invited to share the weekend, proud to be an American, and proud to be associated with such a fine group of people.

Heretofore I have felt that WWII was a fading bit of history. Few folks today remember or are even aware of that era. Those of us who lived in that time are now passing along with few if anyone to share the memories. There are fewer and fewer as time goes on. We who were in the service are left to wonder if it is even relevant today.

I was delighted when you, Ron, sparked the conversation about the history of that era; the war in Europe and particularly Italy and Sicily . It was exciting to meet and talk with someone who was so deeply knowledgeable. When you later revealed the existence of your re-enactors, it was hard for me to imagine the reality of it.

To me what you folks do is more than a hobby; it brings to life the reality of a very important time in the history of our country. While you are having fun, you are also, at a very basic level, are paying respect to a generation of people who loved their country and were proud of it. I could tell in the enthusiasm of your telling about your hobby, that loyalty and pride in your country was as important as the fun you were having.

It was so moving, and for the first time ever I felt a great big “thank you” for something I neither needed, expected nor wanted, but when many of you said “thank you” I almost cried. Not that I did anything but fill a slot in the T/O, I know you were expressing appreciation for the generation who stepped up to a long tough job. It all adds to my idea of what it means to be an American.

Besides the delight of seeing the enthusiasm with which you have collected the uniforms, equipment and vehicles, I was impressed with the focus on getting it right. So much that came out of Hollywood has been bogus and phony; it turned me off a long time ago. Seeing your respect for the real thing was a real kick.

You are making a contribution to the history of the time.

You were all so warm and welcoming to me, and you all obviously enjoyed one another, it gave the whole week-end a special glow. What a great bunch of people! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And a special thank you to you Ron, for the exhaustive effort in getting uniforms for me; for inviting me to share a week-end with wonderful people, and a memory I’ll treasure always.

Respectfully, Don

Some other examples - Happy vet who found reenactors at an Airshow



Medal Of Honor Winner - Walter D. Ehlers
- who comes out ever chance he gets to the Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade.



Another vet who came out to a Field Reenactment - Leon "Jed" Jedziniak



Another Field Battle Reenactment - Cpt Harold Thompson

[Gjr.Goethe]

Thanks for the replies, gents, especially the photos! I just got back into reenacting last year after a long hiatus, and haven't put aside enough time to make it to the public/living history events.

Definitely going to try to make one of the next living history ones!