Played out on the polo field of the historic Army post at Fort Oglethorpe from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the day includes two battle re-enactments, a cook-off, historic vehicle and equipment displays and 1940s entertainment.
Amidst all the activity, Remembering Our Heroes is truly about honoring and remembering those who have served in the U.S. military, both past and present and regardless of branch of service, according to a media release from the museum.
“We want Remembering Our Heroes to represent all branches of service and time periods,” said Chris Lane, museum board member and event organizer. “Our military heritage will be displayed on a grand scale with something of interest for everyone.”
The highlight of the day will be the World War II battle re-enactments presented by the Patton Third Army Living Historians from Houston, Texas. This group of historians bring history to life with their first person impressions of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. and his Third Army.
According to the release, they have studied all the battles the Third Army fought, the fighting conditions and the various strategies and equipment used in order to accurately re-create and re-enact them.
Re-enactor Denny Hair has portrayed Patton since 1984 in movies, plays, musicals and re-enactments at active duty military bases, veteran reunions, parades, museums and various government agencies.
“I have studied the general for 30 years and read just about everything ever written about him,” he said. “I want my portrayal to give a keen insight into who he really was, while authentically dressed and equipped.”
Returning for a second year is the S.O.S. Cook-Off. Local restaurants and chefs offer their version of the military mainstay, cream gravy and chipped beef over toast, to the public and celebrity judges for sampling. Awards will be given in the People’s Choice and Judge’s Favorite category. Sampling is noon–2 p.m., with the winners announced following the 3 p.m. battle re-enactment.
Other activities include the opening ceremony at 11 a.m., with an address by Gen. George S. Patton portrayer Denny Hair. Two World War II battle re-enactments begin at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Vehicle and equipment displays will be on site for the public to view, and the 6th Cavalry Museum will be open. Admission for the entire day’s activities is $10 per adult; $2 for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and ROTC cadets; $5 for retired military, students ages six to 18 and adults over 65. Children under age six are free. Parking is free.
Schools are invited to bring students on Friday, Oct. 12, for a school program. Students will see what it was like as a WWII soldier as they tour the 6th Cavalry Museum, meet with re-enactors and experience living history displays such as the Third Army mess hall and the war briefing room. For students visiting on Friday, admission is $2 per student. Teachers and bus drivers are free. To reserve your class time, call the museum at 706-861-2860.
Information and tickets for Remembering Our Heroes are available on the web at wwiiheroes.net or by calling the 6th Cavalry Museum at 706-861-2860.
The 6th Cavalry Museum preserves the rich military history of the “Fighting Sixth” Cavalry, stationed at The Post at Fort Oglethorpe from 1919-42. On the Post’s original parade ground/polo field, the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and is surrounded by officers’ homes and other Post buildings. The museum houses artifacts, uniforms, weapons, accouterments, photos and a Patton tank. For more information, visit 6thcavalrymuseum.org.
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