Reenactors honor D-Day in Ohio
Each year during the third weekend of August, about 58,000 people gather along with 1,500 reenactors at the shore of Lake Erie in the small town of Conneaut, Ohio, to observe a recreation of the largest amphibious military invasion in history.
Operation Overlord, popularly known as D-Day, took place on June 6, 1944, in Normandy, France. This year was the 80th anniversary of the landing of more than 150,000 Allied troops on the coast of France.
As soon as spectators enter the park, time turns backward, and June 1944 comes to life as Jeeps pass by loaded with Women's Army Corps nurses ready to perform their duties.
A sergeant leads his unit by cadence to the parade grounds. USO shows take place throughout the park. One popular show is the performance of the hilarious Abbott and Costello skit, “Who’s on First.”
The German camp demonstrates mapmaking and the use of mobile field kitchens. This, and much more, can be seen from the perspective of life 80 years ago.
Motivations vary, but all who come are immersed in the living history event focused on this one monumental event. Preserving the memory of those who fought for future generations is the goal of this nationally known experience.
Overlooking the bluff, this Ohio coast becomes Normandy, France. One sees the expanse of water and the large beach which has similarities to Omaha, one of the five beaches that were part of the D-Day invasion.
Obstacles are set up to provide accuracy for the afternoon main tactical battle as hundreds of Allied reenactors storm the beach in a simulated battle as Axis assault battalions defend the Atlantic Wall.
As Allied troops land from historic craft, planes simulate strafing the beach for added realism. Some of the planes seen over the years have been Mitchel B-25, Douglass C- 47 and a ¾ scale P-51 Mustang.
Tanks also take part in the simulated battles each afternoon. The sound of tank volley and small arms “ack-ack” are mixed with battle cry from the soldiers. Calls for “medic, medic” can also be heard. Smoke canisters, diesel fuel and the smell of simulated gunpowder fill the air. Only blank shells are used, and strict standards and safety checks are mandatory.
Throughout the weekend, reenactors demonstrate preparations that lead up to the battles.
The event draws an average of 1,500 reenactors internationally from every walk of life. College students, physicians, attorneys, dentists, teachers, beauticians and others all work together to form cohesive groups that create realistic experiences and interact with spectators.
The homefront demonstrates nonmilitary groups such as, the Women’s Land Army, Victory Garden society, Red Cross Sewing tent and female athletes portraying popular baseball teams. Multigenerational families can be seen living life as it was in 1944.
Some reenactors honor their own family members who fought, whether for the Allies or the Axis, while others portray family members who lived in France and other countries that were occupied.
These reenactors volunteer their time and talents demonstrating realistic experiences of the world at war. (This writer portrays a French butter maker to honor family members.)
Clothing, equipment, personal items and displays must be historically correct. Authenticity standards are high. Anything modern, known as “farb” within the craft, must be kept out of sight.
Original 80-year-old equipment is on display, yet must be treated with care. Equipment and items used are called “kit” and are of museum quality or purchased as a reproduction of the original item. Most uniforms are reproductions of originals.
Everything used throughout the weekend is privately owned. Reenactors can spend thousands of dollars to gather period-appropriate clothing, footwear and kit.
Many of the reenactors take time off from work to attend this event and are happy to share their knowledge and explain the usage of their kit. They take pride in teaching history of this time period and explaining the responsibilities of the people they portray.
One of the largest attractions are the privately owned big tanks. Rabbi Rob Thomas brings some of his fully operational collection of WWII equipment from both Germany and the United States. The heavy machines are transported by semi-trucks from Florida. Yes, he is a real rabbi and a Navy veteran. Descriptions of the tanks can be found on the website WW2armor.org.
This year in the Allied Camp spectators were able to attend an actual wedding. The groom, Sebastian Portilla, 34, is from Chile. He has been a reenactor for 10 years and portrays an infantryman with the U.S. Army’s 1st Division known as, “The Big Red One” for the distinctive shoulder patch. He wore his class A military uniform.
The bride, Pia Fuentes, 36, also of Chile, is new to the craft of reenactment. The bride wore a vintage-style tea length white satin dress with mutton sleeves and a large bow tied at the back waist. A matching bow completed her hair, styled in a half updo. Pia arrived via a large military truck escorted by the men of The Big Red One group.
She was all smiles as she descended the truck using jerrycans as steps. Her joy was infectious. After the vows were exchanged, the groom kissed and then spun his bride around as her dress swirled in the wind. Applause was heard from the crowd.
In attendance was, Pastor Paul Cope and his wife Connie Cope, of Mars. This was their second year attending D-Day Ohio.
From the observers who gathered to watch the ceremony, wine and a cranberry cake were donated to the happy couple to celebrate their new life together. The officiant was Chaplin John Uhler of Tatamy in Northampton County. The ordained minister gives church services each day of the event and typically about 100 spectators gather for the service complete with a field organ.
At Foucarville, in the area of the park portraying Occupied France, attendees can observe life in a French Resistance camp and watch skirmishes between German troops and the Maquis, who were French and Belgium resistance fighters in Occupied France.
The leader of the Maquis is Cory Hull, of Freemont, Ohio. Hull started as a spectator in 2003 before joining as a reenactor.
Of his experiences as a Maquis he feels, “Seeing the same people every year attend the event knowing somebody out there comes back every year, they don’t know my name … but it drives me to be a better reenactor and a better person,” an admirable goal for reenactors.
Veterans from all engagements can relax in the hospitality tent with refreshments. Reserved seating is available for vets and families to have close viewing of the battles throughout the day.
Three WWII vets attended this year — they are now close to 100 years of age. Some sit quietly while others enjoy telling their stories.
One local Ohio WWII veteran, Bob Zonneville, although not in attendance, tells his inspiring story in a book written by his son, K. Adrian Zonneville, titled, “Z: One Family’s Journey from Immigration Through Poverty to the Fulfillment of the Promise of America.” Bob Zonneville will be 100 in January.
Authors of historical books are invited to attend the event. One book, “Through Innocent Eyes,” tells of the life of 13-year-old Gertrude and her mandatory service in the Hitler Youth League of German Girls, the Bund Deutscher Mädel, or BDM.
The book, written by her daughter, Cynthia A. Sandr, of Conneaut, was researched by interviewing relatives of the girls in the BDM service with her mother, as well as the journal her mother made while in the BDM. The riveting retelling brings to light what life was like for young German girls in the BDM.
After attending this event, one comes away with a truly new understanding and firsthand experiences of life during WWII.
Deborah E. Holden, who has a master's degree in education, has loved history since a teenager. The book, “The Hiding Place,” a gift from her mother, started a lifelong interest in WWII history and the Christian faith. Martha Gellhorn is one of the historical figures Holden portrays at reenactments across the country and presentations for schools and civic groups. She lives in Cranberry Township with her husband, Richard.
