This year marked the first year that the Military Vehicle Show featured "Period Encampments". These members of the 26th Infantry "Yankee Division" WW II Living History Reenactment Group were on hand with their authentic period uniforms and gear.From left as they look at a vintage "Yank" Magazine are Dave VanInwagen, from Claremont N.H. (The infantryman),Jim Pereia, of Swansey Mass. (The Sailor) and George Devlin, from Jericho Vermont (an Infantry Captain using the field phone). Photo by Bill Croney, The Northfield News A little weekend rain didn’t deter the Green Mountain Military Vehicle Club from holding their annual show at the base of the Norwich University Ski Area last weekend. The show featured antique military vehicles from the World War Two era all the way up to the Vietnam era.

There were a over thirty five vehicles on display including several Viet Nam era two “duce and a halfs” (2 and 1/2 ton trucks) and jeeps from all the eras, as well as even the most unusual vehicle, a WW II motorcycle. “ Rain hasn’t kept the visitors down,” said club president Jeff Houghton last Saturday afternoon. “We have been pleased with the turnout despite the rain.”

Many of the patrons were pleased with the displays and the interactive aspect of the show. Williamstown’s Fran Covey brought his six -year old grandson to the event and he thought that things well set up. “ I thought it was an excellent show despite the weather. The people were very accommodating. Caleb, my grandson, had a terrific time he got to ride in a jeep, held a bazooka, shot a potato gun, and got to talk on the P.A. system. They even gave him a coloring book,” Mr. Covey said.

This year in addition to the static displays of military vehicles and equipment, and the usual vendor’s tents, the show also featured “Historical Encampments “ from both the Viet Nam era and the World War II era. Both encampment featured re-enactors displaying authentic weapons and gear in their tents. The Viet Nam era tent featured radios, weapons, and people in the distinctive uniforms from “Nam” while the World War II encampment had re-enactors in the authentic uniforms and equipment from that era. That equipment featured an M-1 rifle, an m-1 carbine and even a working field phone. Stepping into the World War Two tent was truly a step back in time. George Deviin , dressed in the uniform of a WW II infantry captain from the 26th Infantry “Yankee”

Division spoke about why his unit does “Living History” reenactments.

“People seem to think that World War Two was a movie. When I speak to young people and mention WW II they often say, ‘I saw that movie.” Our job is to let people know that it was more than that. It was a pivotal point in our history. Our goal is to increase our 78 members to 208 so we can re-create a U.S. Army infantry company of that era,” Captain Devlin said.

Two other members of the 26th Infantry “Yankee” Division WW II Living History Re-enactment Group were also on hand and they concurred with “Captain Devlin’s statements.

Dave VanInwagen , of Claremont N.H., was dressed as a WWII infantry rifleman with the uniform , puttees, helmet, and M-1 rifle when he said

: “We want people to know that there were more sacrifices than people realize. I love history. We do this just so people won’t forget,” the former Army reservist said.

Jim Pereria, from Swansey, Mass. Was on hand dressed in a WW II sailors work uniform and he not only agreed with the statements of the other re-enactors, he also enjoyed being in Northfield. “ It sure is a pretty place. It’s a great area,” He said.

All in all, the show lived up to the goals of the Green Mountain Military Vehicle Club for the show: To display some history and to have fun. It seemed as if a good time was had by all.