Played out on the polo field of the historic Army post at Fort Oglethorpe from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the day includes two battle re-enactments, a parade, a cook-off, and historic vehicle and equipment displays. The day ends with a USO dance.
Amidst all the activity, Remembering Our Heroes is truly about honoring and remembering those who have served in the United States military, both past and present, regardless of branch of service.
“We want Remembering Our Heroes to represent all branches of service and time periods,” said Chris Lane, museum board member and event organizer. “Our military heritage will be displayed on a grand scale with something of interest for everyone.”
The highlight of the day, no doubt, is the World War II battle re-enactment, presented by the Patton Third Army Living Historians from Houston, Texas. This group of historians brings history to life with their first person impression of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. and his Third Army.
They have studied all the battles the Third Army fought, the fighting conditions and the various strategies and equipment used to accurately re-create and re-enact them.
Denny Hair, internationally recognized for playing Gen. Patton, has portrayed Patton since 1984 in movies, plays, re-enactments, at active duty military bases, veteran reunions, parades, museums, city, various government agencies and even musicals.
“I have studied the general for 30 years and read just about everything ever written about him. I want my portrayal to give a keen insight into who he really was, while authentically dressed and equipped,” Hair said.
Spectators to this year’s event get a rare and personal view of the Tiger Tank replica commissioned for Stephen Spielberg’s WWII classic film “Saving Private Ryan.”
The tank was also used in the HBO series “Band of Brothers.”
Less than 1,400 tanks were produced for World War II with just a handful of them preserved and on display in European museums.
New for 2011 is the “Stuff On a Shingle,” or “S.O.S,” Cook-Off.
Local restaurants and chefs offer their version of the military mainstay cream gravy and chipped beef over toast to the public and celebrity judges for sampling.
Awards will be given in the People’s Choice and Judge’s Favorite category. Sampling is noon to 2 p.m. with the winners announced at 3 p.m.
The evening wraps up with a USO Dance on Barnhardt Circle from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring big band music by Sweet Georgia Sounds Orchestra.
Other activities include a military vehicle parade at 10 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 11 a.m.
The World War II battle re-enactments begin at 12:30 p.m and 3 p.m.
Vehicle and equipment displays will be on site for the public to view and the 6th Cavalry Museum will be open.
Admission for the entire day’s activities is $10 per adult, $5 for military veterans, students and those over 62, children under 5 are free.
For more information or to get tickets, visit www.wwiiheroes.net or call the 6th Cavalry Museum at 706-861-2860.
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