BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— History buffs are reliving an important chapter of American History this weekend.
They are taking part in an annual event that brings to life America's involvement in World War Two and an iconic army tank manufactured in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The parking lot at Test Track Park in Berwick was packed as people traveled from more than twenty states to relive history for world war two weekend.
Tanks, mock battles, and military regalia, Berwick's World War Two weekend is underway.
This marks the eighth year of the annual reenactment.
"So far, this is our best year. More and more people are finding out about it and coming; some people say 'I never knew this was here or that you guys did this here in Berwick,' so we're really excited. We're really fortunate that a lot of folks came," stated David Kovach, President, Stuart Tank Memorial Association.
Getting kids involved at an annual local pilgrimage
The factory that made Stuart tanks in Berwick during the 1940s employed thousands of workers, connecting people from all over NEPA.
"The factory was right here in town, everybody in town had somebody that worked in the factory or was in world war two. There were 9,135 workers, but there were only ten thousand people in Berwick, so it's not just a Berwick thing, it's a northeastern Pennsylvania thing," said Tom McLaughlin, Board Secretary, Stuart tank Memorial Association.
Under his own tent, a ninety-eight year old World War Two veteran shared his story and photographs.
"It makes me so proud to be here to talk to all these people coming through because a lot of them never knew what a PT boat was and like to learn about your experiences in the war," explained Charles Brooking, World War Two veteran.
The crowd included people of all ages, but some of the kids are blowing the adults away.
"With the video games these kids play, we have kids, you know eleven years old, that come to our museum, they know more about our tanks than we do. And, I've been doing this for twenty-one years," stated McLaughlin.
One war history fanatic tells us how special an event like this is to him.
"It's pretty important because everyone's forgetting about World War Two, and everyone's starting to not care about the military when we need people to care about it," voiced Jack Delozier, New Jersey.
Organizers say as the years go on, it's important that the stories of the greatest generation are passed on.
"That's our whole purpose, it's to keep this history alive, what happened here in Berwick during world war two," explained Kovach.
World War Two weekend opens up again Sunday at 9:00 a.m. for more historical fun at Test Track Park in Berwick.
