World War II Encampment Lands at Old Bethpage Restoration

This was no video game. This was real life war, with millions of Americans making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

That was the message this past weekend at the Old Bethpage Restoration, which was transformed into a World War II encampment. It was a lesson in military history, beyond a handful of pages in school history books.

"It's more than just [video game] Call of Duty, it's real people that actually [fought]," said organizer Jim Lennon. "Many of the [attendees] are related to them, and they have no idea [about the war]."

Lennon, along with Jim Michaud, have held historic re-enactments around the region for years, including Civil War and American Revolution demonstrations. Now they've moved the hands of time forward, to show people what the "Greatest Generation" went through some 70 years ago.

The vast space of the Restoration Village is the perfect setting to stage the re-enactment, with room for authentic artillery, gear, vehicles, and hands-on activities to give everyone a taste of the conflict that consumed our world.

Dozens of volunteers dress up in WW II-era uniforms from not only the United States but also in uniforms representing allies such as Russia and Poland. Visitors can climb into a foxhole, try out weapons and even run a military-style obstacle course, complete with grenade tossing.

Many of the artifacts on display are donated by private owners and there are tanks and other vehicles on loan from the Kadish Museum of American Armor and the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport.

Michaud says seeing these pieces of history in person is the best way for everyone, especially kids, to learn what WWII was all about.

"Most of today's youth are historically stunted as far as military history," Michaud said. "We want to remind them and teach them of the sacrifices their families had made, soldiers who fought the big war, so to speak."

For some, it's more than a history lesson, it's a reminder. Several WW II veterans attended and paid their respects to fallen comrades.

"People should be aware of the services, the Army, the Navy, and what they do for the country," said WWII Army veteran George Bunger of Queens.

Getting the stamp of approval from heroes like George is a highlight of the event, its organizers say.

"It means a lot, it means we're doing the right thing," Lennon said. "When they look at it and say, yep, that's what it looked like, it just reinforces what we're doing here."

Those that have put the living history lesson together say they plan to hold more re-enactments in the future, with the message being: never forget.

"[Eventually] we're going to hear about the last WWII vet passing away at some point, and we want to capture as many stories as we can to pass on," Michaud said. "We'll be their legacy of passing the torch to those that want to learn."

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