Pros / Cons, and opinions on Re-enactors

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

I concur with the above comments in regards to the SS genre of "reenactor".

As most here know, the SS was not subject to the Wehrmacht chain of command. They were a completely separate heavily armed and well trained force reporting directly to Hitler's Nazi Party. As such, they (as demonstrated by their actions) generally considered themselves outside the 'rules of war'. The Tulle hangings and Oradour-sur-Glane massacres of mostly women and children by 2nd SS Panzer are but two examples of this sadistic, brutal force of thugs - not soldiers. And don't forget the Allied prisoners executed by the SS. Yes, by definition atrocities were committed by all sides - but the SS embraced pillage and cold-blooded murder as open SOP! They are worthy of nothing but derision and contempt, not "reenacting". There -are- contextual reasons for a film actor to dress up and "play SS", but in my opinion you simply can't justify walking around and wearing that crap - and what it represents - as part of any volunteer personal-collection airshow reenacting to "honor history".

Wade

From what I have seen at Reading and at Ft Indiantown Gap, the ones who dress as SS are for the most part, immature.

[cco23i]

Granted I know some joined the SS due to "the uniforms" but as you all stated I couldn't do it. That's why I'll stick with doing ground crew!

Scott

[cco23i]

Sorry it went twice.

[Taylor Stevenson]

To start, I love re-enactors and their presence at airshows. It adds a lot to the aircraft to have an accurate or at least semi-accurate representation of those who flew and maintained these machines back in the day. Do I care if every button is correct or that the reenactor may be wearing incorrect skivvys under his/her uniform, no. Should they strive to be accurate, yes. I have been a part of a couple 101st Abn. reenactions and have met many reenactors at airshows (I love the guys that come to Midland!) and I have never met anyone who talks down on those who aren’t 100% accurate. All of the men and women I have met have just been enthused that someone else shares their same passion even if they can't find or afford all of the nitpicky items that makes their appearance perfect. They would rather encourage a kid wearing an oversized M1943 and a garrison cap, than critique someone whose unit insignia is 1/2" off the regs.

That being said, when I restored my L-5G in the colors of the 1st Cav. Div. I did so because I had the original uniform and items from a 1st Cav. pilot (who I have contacted and is still living) and as luck would have it, the uniform fit me perfectly. I thought wearing his uniform while the aircraft was being judged would be a great tribute to this Captain and would also add much to my display as a whole. Well.... a couple weeks after Oshkosh I received an anonymous email from a fellow WIXer not only talking down about my restoration, but insinuating that my wearing of the uniform, or the way I was wearing it, was not in good taste or was dishonorable. So, what is the protocol? Are pilots/owners not supposed to wear re-enacting equipment? Am I incorrect to assume I was honoring a man who I held in high enough respect to model my plane after?

I have learned over my brief existence on Earth that some people have too much time on their hands and have nothing better to do than degrade the efforts of others. My intentions have never been anything but honoring the sacrifices of those who enable me to live in a free world.

Just thought I'd see if I was really in the wrong or get other WIXers opinion on the subject...

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

To start, I love re-enactors and their presence at airshows. It adds a lot to the aircraft to have an accurate or at least semi-accurate representation of those who flew and maintained these machines back in the day. Do I care if every button is correct or that the reenactor may be wearing incorrect skivvys under his/her uniform, no. Should they strive to be accurate, yes. I have been a part of a couple 101st Abn. reenactions and have met many reenactors at airshows (I love the guys that come to Midland!) and I have never met anyone who talks down on those who aren’t 100% accurate. All of the men and women I have met have just been enthused that someone else shares their same passion even if they can't find or afford all of the nitpicky items that makes their appearance perfect. They would rather encourage a kid wearing an oversized M1943 and a garrison cap, than critique someone whose unit insignia is 1/2" off the regs.

That being said, when I restored my L-5G in the colors of the 1st Cav. Div. I did so because I had the original uniform and items from a 1st Cav. pilot (who I have contacted and is still living) and as luck would have it, the uniform fit me perfectly. I thought wearing his uniform while the aircraft was being judged would be a great tribute to this Captain and would also add much to my display as a whole. Well.... a couple weeks after Oshkosh I received an anonymous email from a fellow WIXer not only talking down about my restoration, but insinuating that my wearing of the uniform, or the way I was wearing it, was not in good taste or was dishonorable. So, what is the protocol? Are pilots/owners not supposed to wear re-enacting equipment? Am I incorrect to assume I was honoring a man who I held in high enough respect to model my plane after?

I have learned over my brief existence on Earth that some people have too much time on their hands and have nothing better to do than degrade the efforts of others. My intentions have never been anything but honoring the sacrifices of those who enable me to live in a free world.

Just thought I'd see if I was really in the wrong or get other WIXers opinion on the subject...

Look at it this way, 1 person complained and how many hundred approved of the uniform?

[Ztex]

I have learned over my brief existence on Earth that some people have too much time on their hands and have nothing better to do than degrade the efforts of others.

DING DING DING DING !!! Taylor wins the pony!
You are right on here Bud. You do what you feel is the right thing to do and do it with honorable intentions and actions and all is well.

If one dresses like a Nazi just to act like a Nazi then they are in trouble both within and without.

2 cents worth I'm sure.

[jet1]

....one night after the show we went to a hanger party/dance/dinner. All was well until a group of guys came in dressed in Nazi SS uniforms (there were other folks dressed in both US and german uniforms) When Lefty saw them he said "whats wrong with those guys, the ss were just a bunch of murdering b@st@rds" (I remember it to this day) We got up and left....the end.

California Nazis, I hate California Nazis.

[Shay]

Any pictures of Re-Enactor Gatherings or events anyone would like to post?

Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

[cco23i]

Here's some shots from a few displays we have done.

Scott

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b12/c ... tshot5.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b12/c ... tshot1.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b12/c ... C_0488.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b12/c ... snp402.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b12/c ... tagain.jpg

Taylor you still have your aircraft forms we gave ya'?

[Warbird Kid]

Great Shots!

[Taylor Stevenson]

Scott, Sure do! I've actually used a few of them for fun when going to airshows. I really appreciate you all giving that to me! I ran across the pictures of us all and the L-5G over by the main hangar at MAF from Midland 2009. Those turned out great... especially the ones with Santa Can't wait to see you all next year, I'll be bringing a T-6 this time
Take care, T

[cco23i]

We'll be there and BIGGER and BETTER than before! Swing on by!

Scott

One of the Christmas shots

[Shay]

Nice Pictures.

I didn't realize there was a D-Day reenactment weekend in Ohio: http://www.ddayohio.us/



















They even have air support





Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

[Jesse C.]

I love it when they Re-Enact "The Battle of Pearl Harbor"

[cco23i]

Heck, I'll post more too!

Scott