The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Stepping back in time, to World War II

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Reenactors created quite a spectacle, as they created battle scenes at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village during a living history event, in Dade City.

U.S. Army Infantry make an advance on the ground as they prepare to battle German forces during the Raid on Renault II. (Fred Bellet)

Donning military uniforms and carrying World War II-era weapons, soldiers simulated scenes from the Raid on Renault II.

Others offered living history lessons on such things as the French Resistance during the war, a German POW camp that was in Dade City, or vignettes from radio programs.

Besides watching the battle reenactment, those visiting also could get a close look at the weapons, ammunition and other artifacts from that era, and could grab a bite to eat.

Hundreds came to the two-day event, including some traveling great distances to either play an active role in the reenactments, or to watch them.

Published May 05, 2021

Looking like a politician of the day, Kirk Slater sports his straw hat, wearing early 40’s garb, the Tampa resident speaks with German soldier reenactor, Charles Smith of Ft. Myers, after the Allied forces stormed the Germans at Renault.
A variety of World War II artifacts are showcased in Keith and Frances Faulkner’s display at the living history event. The Naylor, Georgia couple had cameras, radios, machine gun rounds and a sextant. While holding one, Keith Faulkner said with a smile that ‘the sextant is the predecessor of the GPS.’
Portraying an Army Technical Sgt., Tom Oliver, of Otway, Ohio, sits with a display he and his brother, Greg Oliver, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, brought to the living history event.
Charles Smith is taken prisoner, as the Raid on Renault II ends, during a living history event at the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village, in Dade City.
Gregory Cardinal drove over to Dade City from Hudson to attend the World War II Living History Event. Cardinal served as an MP during the early days of the Vietnam War.
German soldiers make their way across the battlefield, as nearby spectators watch.
French Resistance reenactor Richard Reaume, of Brooksville, reports to the American encampment prior to the start of the Raid on Renault II.

 

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