Yesterday I attended my favorite event of the year – The American Heritage Museum’s production of World War II Battle for the Airfield. I’ve written about this event in past blog posts, but for some reason, this year’s had a particular resonance.

When three veterans of World War II spoke at the Veterans Roundtable, I was reminded how few of the “Greatest Generation” are left to share their personal stories with us. As these veterans are 96 and older, hearing each one of their accounts and recollections speaks to a time in this world that will eventually be learned only from recorded history rather than those who lived it.

The hanger was packed with those of us that wanted to hear their words. When the crowds largely dispersed, I approached the dais to view some photographs and documents they offered us to view. I asked one of them if at the time the United States entered the war, did they think it would erupt into a world conflict? The answer came quickly and succinctly – “None of us at the time thought that.”

There is a saying that we must learn from history, but do we? I asked the question I did because for those of us in the here and now, we know of the conflicts raging in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and other hot spots around the world. I’m sure there are many who thought conflicts like we are seeing today, could never happen to the degree they are escalating. This is why learning from history is so important to the present – “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” – Winston Churchill.

Of course, another aspect of this event that I enjoy is the reenactors and the knowledge they possess. These passionate individuals bring to life their particular area of interest with an enthusiasm that invites us to want to know more.  For example, I learned how “man’s best friend” – dogs – served in the war. From jumping out of airplanes, to guard duty to search and rescue, while I knew dogs were in the war effort, I had no idea to what degree. After hearing the stories of what these animals did, there’s no question in my mind that each of them is a hero in their own right.

The highlight of the day’s events is, by no surprise, the Battle for the Airfield reenactment. Over three hundred reenactors recreate a battle from World War II replete with tanks, support vehicles, and various weapons, all choreographed into “a live film.”

For this year, I broadcast the morning battle via a live feed on Facebook. For the afternoon battle, I didn’t take any photos but simply watched it to enjoy it. Naturally, I was running through my mind how I would film such an epic scene. That alone would be a battle—but so worth it!

My thanks to the American Heritage Museum and to everyone who made this year’s Battle for the Airfield an event for the history books.