First World War II and veterans weekend is Aug. 22-23

By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Attention military memorabilia enthusiasts and war buffs — history will come alive in St. Clair Shores this month.

The VFW Bruce Post 1146, along with the Wolverine Military Relics Show and the Great Lakes Military Vehicle Preservation Association, is hosting a World War II and Veterans Military History Weekend Aug. 23-24 at the St. Clair Shores post located on Jefferson at Martin.

Paul Palazzolo, senior vice president with the VFW Bruce Post Auxiliary, said the two-day show will feature an authentic military vehicle rally and display, war memorabilia from various historic American battles, helicopter rides and two days of realistic war re-enactments.

“This will be the biggest event they’ve had there,” said Palazzolo. “We’re taking over the entire place.”

Palazzolo said the weekend event is to honor U.S. military veterans.

“This is a way to recognize them and thank them for their sacrifices,” he said.

The indoor and outdoor event will also feature a U.S. Coast Guard Water Rescue Demonstration and live entertainment by an Andrew Sisters-type act at 1 p.m. on Aug. 23.

Palazzolo said it will be such a huge event — expected to draw thousands from around the area — that the city will be offering shuttle services, with parking available at City Hall and 40th District Court, both located a few blocks south of the post on Jefferson, at 11 Mile.

“The large indoor collectible show should attract a lot of people,” Palazzolo said. “There will be something for the entire family.”

To make the two days of re-enactments more realistic, actors will be camped out at the post in authentic military tents.

“I expect between 1,500 and 2,000 people in the two days,” Palazzolo said, adding that there will be a military vehicle convoy on the Friday before the event. “And we hope it is a great success because we would like this to become an annual thing.”

Palazzolo added that there will be plenty for the children to enjoy, a full menu of food and beverages, and collectible items for sale.

John Lind, curator at the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy, will be involved in the event.

The Detroit Arsenal of Democracy is a museum specializing in World War II military vehicles. It is a national, nonprofit organization that provides education to schoolchildren through large-scale presentations and displays pertaining to American military history.

Lind, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy, said his museum relies on cash donations, corporate sponsorships, and donated or loaned memorabilia to expand, improve and maintain their exhibits for continued educational purposes.

“The Shores event will have military vehicles and re-enactors, both Allied and Axis,” he said. “It’s going to be big.”

Lind will be providing about 40 antique military vehicles for display through the weekend, specifically tanks and trucks.

“They will each be from various timelines from World War II to the ‘80s,” Lind said. “These are antiques and are privately owned, so they will be roped off. These are not owned by the government.”

Lind said members of his organization will also be doing weapons demonstrations and a mock battle with a fly over by Thunder Over Michigan and the landing of dozens of paratroopers.

“It’s very realistic,” he said. “There will be 400 guys out there; 200 German and 200 American, and Thunder will bring in fighter bombers while the battle is taking place. It’s quite a show.”

Lind said now is the perfect time to put on a large-scale event such as this one.

“World War II history is very popular now,” he said. “This kind of just came to us at a good time. These re-enactments are also getting very popular.

“It’s a great educational event for everybody.”

The WWII and Veterans Military History Weekend will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, and from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 24. The VFW Bruce Post 1146 is located at 28404 Jefferson. Admission is $3 for students, $4 for seniors 65 and older, and general admission is $6.

Indoor vendor tables are still available for $25 and outdoor pavilion tables are available for $15. An outdoor vendor area is $30.

For information, contact Reefe Renforth at (248) 543-3087 or Paul Palazzolo at (586) 292-7665.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Snyder at jsnyder@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1039.