Our World War II Weekend is back and better than ever! Join us on September 9-10 to experience the history of one of the most fascinating and all-encompassing historical events. This year’s event will take place at John Marshall High School in Glen Dale, WV.
This year there will be so much to see and do! Check out the World War II camp to learn from re-enactors what a soldiers’ experience might have been like. Re-enactors will represent armored tank divisions, parachute infantry regiments, and the Signal Corps, Sam Cockayne’s branch of the service.
Then visit with Cat Gardiner and learn about what people on the home front did to support the war effort. Step into her recreated 1940s house to find out the many ways that women and children rationed, collected vital materials, and worked together to make sure our soldiers had what they needed to win the war.
Children’s activities will also include the opportunity to write a V-mail letter, make a paper toy to conserve metal, and try our Boot Camp obstacle course!
Then be sure you don’t miss our fantastic line-up of speakers and entertainment!
Roy Eichhorn is the former Director of Research and Development, Army Management Staff College, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Roy has done extensive research on US military deception, has contributed to three books on the subject, and was a researcher and advisor for the Ghost Army documentary film which first appeared on PBS. Mr. Eichhorn is a founding member of the Ghost Army Legacy Project.
The Ghost Army was a United States Army tactical deception unit during World War II officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. Roy has a personal connection as his stepfather, George Martin, was a member of the Ghost Army unit.
Jim Belcher, Jr. is a former Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force and adjunct professor at Blue Ridge Community College. Today, Jim travels to schools and community events to speak about his father, Jim Belcher Sr., a survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II and the power of healing. His stories are of honor, respect, pride, integrity, perseverance, tolerance, and forgiveness.
Jim was a duel citizen at birth, born at Yokosuka Naval Hospital. His mother is Toyoko Inoue, a Japanese War bride and a WWII survivor. His unique two-sided perspective of WWII in the Pacific is insightful.
John McCaskill is a History Alive speaker from Washington, D.C. He is an educator, historian, lecturer, coach and inspirational speaker who inspires and captivates his audiences using history as a vehicle to teach the principles of leadership and teamwork.
Mr. McCaskill will focus on the Tuskegee Airmen who flew more than 15,000 individual sorties in Europe and North Africa during World War II and earned 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses. He will specifically focus on West Virginia native George Spencer “Spanky” Roberts. Roberts successfully finished in the first class of Tuskegee Airmen at the Tuskegee Institute, was later commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1942 before becoming commander of the 99th Pursuit Squadron. He flew approx. 100 combat missions during WWII before resuming command of the 332nd Fighter Group in 1945.
Cat Gardiner from Florida is a romance novelist who regularly appears at Conneaut’s D-Day Reenactment. D-Day Conneaut is America's premier living history event and one of the most realistic and educational annual reenactments of D-Day - June 6th, 1944, and it is the largest WWII reenactment in the US.
Cat brings with her a realistic historic 1940’s house backdrop with period antiques and clothing and talks to visitors about the home front, the lifestyles of the WWII era and the commitment to the war effort of every American man, woman and child.
Bill Trabulsi is Cat’s husband and he also frequently appears at Conneaut in the ranks of the World War II Armor Division. Bill has been given the green light from his tanker outfit to represent them at our MCHS event. The education outfit is World War II Armor (well known in the WW2 reenactor world and the highlight of Conneaut D-Day) and they represent the 2nd Armor. More information about the World War II Armor Division can be found at https://www.ww2armor.org/
History Alive Presenter Rebecca Park of Charleston, West Virginia, will portray Colonel Ruby Bradley.
When Bradley retired from the U.S. Army in 1963, she was the most decorated woman in American military history. A native of Spencer, West Virginia, Bradley was captured by the Japanese in the Philippines in 1941 and was a POW until 1945. She continued her work as a nurse in the prison camp. She was named Chief Nurse for the Eighth Army in 1951 and supervised over 500 nurses in Korea. Bradley attained the rank of Colonel in 1958.
Prepare to be entertained by the Eli Lambie Jazz Trio! Their classic melodies and smooth sound will bring back the soul of the 40’s.
You can also visit displays and tables by the Moundsville Honor Guard, Quilts of Valor, the Honor Flight project, Jim Belcher on the USS Indianapolis, Meet and Greet local veterans, leave the name of your own veteran on our banner of stars, and more.
Then also visit our Vintage Car Show in the parking lot and grab a bite to eat from Mason Dixon BBQ, Ice Cream Island (Saturday only), Woodfired Pizza (Sunday only), and The Guest House Restaurant!
In connection with this event, we will also be holding a 1940s Swing Dance on Saturday evening, September 9, at St. Jude Hall in Glen Dale. Put on your dancing shoes and prepare to be serenaded by Matt Hill and Friends playing all your swing favorites. Vintage attire is encouraged but not required. Dancers and watchers both welcome! Snacks and root beer floats will be available for purchase. Tickets will be $10 per person at the door, all veterans receive free admission.
This event has been sponsored by the Marshall County Commissioners and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 141. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring this event, please email or call at (304) 845-1411 or cockaynehouse@gmail.com.
If you are a World War II reenactor and are interested in joining us, click here for registration form!
