World War II Weekend to be held at Eisenhower National Historic Site
Annual event set for Sept. 19-20
(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 8/31/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE …
CONTACT:
Carol Hegeman
Eisenhower National Historic Site
(717) 338-9114, ext. 10
On Sept. 19 and 20, the National Park Service will sponsor a World War II living history weekend at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysurg.
An authentic recreation of both Allied and German army camps, complete with original World War II vehicles, will be set up on the site. More than 200 living history enthusiasts will portray military personnel from the European Theater in 1944.
Living history volunteers will present programs on World War II medical services, weapons and equipment, communications, military vehicles, and the life of the common G.I. A mock Army Air Force bomber squadron mission briefing will be presented. Dozens of World War II vehicles will be on display.
Several featured guest speakers, all veterans of World War II, will give talks on their war time experiences.
Sunday morning at 10 a.m. a recreation of World War II U.S. Army Chaplain’s Service will take place in the 82nd Airborne Division living history camp.
Both days the public may purchase lunch in a recreated army mess tent sponsored by the Heidlersburg Fire Co. Picnic tables will be provided nearby. Saturday night there will be a World War II style “USO” dance held at the U.S. Army Reserve Center at 1200 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg. The dance, which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., will feature 1940s big band music by the Gettysburg Big Band and is open to the public. Tickets are $5.00 and will be available at the door.
New this year, Gettysburg National Military Park Licensed Battlefield Guide Ralph Siegel will present two guided walks about the World War II dead buried in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.
The encampment will be open to the public Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the Eisenhower National Historic Site is by shuttle bus. Buses depart regularly from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike.
The encampment will be open to the public Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the Eisenhower National Historic Site is by shuttle bus. Buses depart regularly from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike.
Weather permitting, on-site parking for cars only will also be available in a farm field accessible off Emmitsburg Road, Business Route 15. Bus groups and wheelchair users should plan to use the shuttle system. For group reservations, call (877) 874-2478. Fees to enter the site either by shuttle bus or by parking in the field are adults, $7.50; children 6-12, $5; children age 5 and under, free.
For more information contact the Eisenhower National Historic Site at (717) 338-9114 or visit www.nps.gov/eise.
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