MUSKEGON, Mich. — This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, one of WWII's most pivotal battles when the Allies landed in Normandy to turn the tides of the war in Europe against Nazi Germany.
A piece of history, the USS LST 393, which made 30 round trips to the beaches of Normandy, now lives in Muskegon as a museum. It's also the focal point for an annual reenactment to remember the second world war.
"Reenactors from all over come in," said Max McKee, president of the Mart Dock in Muskegon.
The annual D-Day Commemoration Event brings reenactors wearing authentic WWII uniforms who participate in battle reenactments in the field beside the ship with WWII tanks, jeeps and equipment.
"I think the most favorite skirmishes is when we have the air raid and John Workman and his crew come with the vintage World War II planes and fly over the LST and simulate a raid on a ship," said McKee. "All the soldiers are up there with their guns pretending to shoot the planes down."
McKee said many reenactors will pitch tents and camp out in the fields overnight, along with some spending the night aboard the LST.
"It really keeps the memories of those people that served alive," said event coordinator Trenton Coleman.
He said the community members who come out to watch also drive reenactors to come back each year, as they can show them parts of history and what those serving experienced.
Reenactor Mike Brown said his goal in participating is to be able to educate others.
"Try to educate people, staying involved with history, just don't want to forget what happened with things," said Brown. "There's bad times, very bad things happen. We don't want to forget that because if we forget it, things will repeat."
"It's very special to be able to have a ship that actually served in WWII," said reenactor Jeremy Winnicker. "To be in the shadow of it, and you can't really beat that."
On Friday participants were able to experience a 1940's Swing Dance on the top deck of the LST. After the final battle on Saturday, they could go for a ride on the Aquastar Cruise.
"I love the community, the reenacting community," said Brown. "Everybody's just well-connected. We all share the same passion, the same love and desire for history."
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