by Wendy Simons
Imagine being surrounded by 20,000 happy people for 3 days. How could this happen in today's economic times? Roll back the clock 145 years to a time of the Civil War in Gettysburg, PA or the re-enactment of that time and historical event on a beautiful farm in PA.
My husband (Larry) and I recently attended the 145th reenactment of the Civil War, an event that draws 12,000+ reenactors and 10,000 spectators each day of the event. I was amazed that so many individuals would be in great spirits, filled with camaraderie, commitment and appreciation for perhaps one of the greatest turning points in our history. When you think of the casualties, destruction and devastation to the surrounding community, economy and life, it is hard to imagine a worse time. This certainly balances the challenges and struggles we are facing in current days.
Shannon Scott (seen forefront with flag), served as a Confederate
Colonel in the 5th Florida Infantry Regiment
So why was this such a grand event? Boomers, of course! The majority of reenactors are in the “generation boomer” age bracket. Who else would have the commitment to dress in heavy wool, camp in tents, eat as they did in 1863, brave rain, ticks, some bugs, and march on a battlefield filled with smoke from 40 cannons and rifle fire?
Larry, Wendy and Ginger
One of our friends, Terry Rainhill from Reno, raced back and forth across the battlefield on his horse as a cavalry communication messenger for the Confederate Generals, passing along orders to the infantrymen on the field. He engaged in hand to hand or sword to sword combat with other mounted cavalry and was able to return, unscathed. Remember, the only method of communication was by flags, drums, horns or horsemen.
These reenactors value history and want to preserve it for the public. The dedication and effort put forth to relive how it might have been, is deep seated in those who offer to the public, the opportunity to sample how our country changed.
I'd like to introduce you to two of the individuals, Shannon Scott and Ed Sims of California, who bring history to life in their willingness to step back in time.
Ed Sims is a boomer dentist from the Sacramento area. He always was a history buff, and felt it important to experience what he has read. He fills several roles in the Civil War reenactment, that of a Union Cavalry trooper with the 7th Michigan (Custer's regiment) in 1863, and as a musician/citizen.
Ed Sims, forefront, in his role of Union
Cavalry trooper
He has even built his own banjo and written 1860's period music. He takes the history of the time one step further by appointing his dental office with tack, pictures, and miniature figures. He also shares his experiences of reenacting with his patients. Sims said it serves as a magnet for conversation to discuss and excite young people on historical events.
Shannon Scott reenacts a Confederate Colonel in the 5th Florida Infantry Regiment, and he too is a boomer. He attended a reenactment in Virginia City in 1993 and was drawn to the fun of reenacting living history. A landscaping contractor by trade, he is a member of the National Civil War Association, and a dedicated “officer” of the Confederate reenactors.What a grand group of folks these boomers are that go back in time, work to preserve history, and have fun doing it.
Shannon Scott (seen forefront with flag), served as a Confederate
Colonel in the 5th Florida Infantry Regiment
To learn how you can get involved in reenactments, go to periodicals such as The Civil War News, Camp Chase Gazette, and Civil War Courier for notices on units seeking new members and for registration dates. Going to numerous Civil War web sites, and chat rooms is another good source for reenactor information.