Long Islanders will be able to honor the heroes in their own families as vintage tanks rumble by and World War II reenactors engage visitors during the award winning “World War II Encampment Weekend” inside Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, on Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Presented by The Museum of American Armor and the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museum, American armor will be confronted by a replica German Tiger tank during the weekend’s presentation. Also on display will be halftracks, armored cars and artillery in field exercises that recall an era when freedom faced a mortal threat. A halftrack experience will also be offered to visiting families.
Museum senior trustee Michael D. Sapraicone stated, “The Armor Museum offers a powerful presentation that evolves year to year that keeps alive the legacy of our nation’s military and the gift of freedom they have given us. For many, it is an opportunity to reflect on family members who served our nation.”
The event will feature a visit from America’s World War II President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in the guise of an FDR interpreter. The Armor Museum’s program will include mock attacks while reenactors present uniforms, tactics, and weapons of that era against a backdrop of an armor parade that rivals the vintage newsreels of 80 years ago.
History Channel’s Historian Emeritus Dr. Libby O’Connell said, “This event is a unique opportunity for families to appreciate an historic chapter in world history that still influences our lives. It is worth a visit by every American family, regardless of their ethnicity and background, because this is the story of all of us.”
Admission is $15 adults; $12 for children between 5 and 12 (under 5 are free); and $12 for seniors, volunteer firefighters and veterans.
For more information, go to www.museumofamericanarmor.com or “friend” them on Facebook.
Submitted by The Museum of American Armor
