11th Military Appreciation and Living History Event, June 8, 2024

P. M. Fravel, a local historian and curator of the American Military Heritage Museum located 1.5 miles east of Stephens City, Virginia on Fairfax Pike (Rt. 277) will host a special living history event focusing upon America’s military involvement over the years. This event, the 11th annual, will be conducted on Saturday, 08 June 2024 from 9:00am until 5:00pm, rain or shine, and admission is free. The focus this year will be on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France.

An extensive display of original artifacts depicting America’s involvement during World War II as well as displays featuring the American Civil War, World War I, Korea, and Vietnam will be presented in individual displays. Themes include:

American Civil War

America’s Involvement in World War I

The Civilian Conservation Corps

American WW II Home Front

The American Infantry Soldier and Equipment- D-Day, the 6th of June 1944

Local Servicemen’s Involvement During WW II

U.S. Army Airforce Flight Gear and Equipment of WW II

The Battle of the Bulge- The Final German Offensive, December 1944

The WW II Combat Medic

The Weaponry and Ordnance of WW I through Vietnam

WW II and post-WW II Military Vehicles

Korean War

Vietnam War

Reunions of WW II, Korean War, and Vietnam era servicemen and women will occur starting at 10:30am. A full BBQ luncheon starting at noon will be provided to veterans who register when arriving. The Museum is encouraging local veterans to make plans to attend and spread the word about the event.

Visitors can interact with a large number of military reenactors who will assemble at the museum representing various eras to provide “living history” displays and interpretations throughout the day on Saturday.

Fravel is glad to see that more and more young people are showing up each year. They can meet veterans and learn about duty, honor, and service to the country we love. It is understood that we can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us. It is marvelous to see students connect to these events and appreciate what transpired in our past history. Veterans are provided name tags for each so they can easily be identified and so that visitors, young and old, can thank them for their service and ask them about their experiences.

There will be plenty of convenient parking available and there is a drop-off and shaded rest area for veterans adjacent to the museum. The Museum’s bookstore will have hundreds of military theme books at bargain prices with very few above $5.00. There is no cost to attend the event and the entire family is invited to attend.

The event was established in 2014 in honor of the 70th anniversary of D-Day and it was such a huge success. The event has been growing each year. According to Fravel, over 1,000 visitors attended in 2023. Many people return each year because there are always changes to the displays and the living history presenters who attend.

For further information, contact P. M. Fravel at 540-974-1044 or by email at fravel@clemson.edu