Telling Their Stories…
Thank you for your interest in WWII reenacting and our unit, the 2nd Marines, of the World War Two Historical Re-Enactment Society, Inc.
Our society has evolved from a group of collectors in the mid-1970’s to what it is today. The World War Two Historical Re-Enactment Society, Inc., (HRS) is the largest and oldest WWII re-enactment society in the United States.
Our membership is made up of militaria collectors, amateur historians and those that have an interest in the events, uniforms, weapons, equipment and vehicles of the various WWII armies. The WWII era artifacts that you see at typical living history displays are all privately owned and maintained by our society membership.
The World War Two Historical Re-Enactment Society does not endorse the political views of any of the armies portrayed, and we do not allow extremist factions among our membership. Our only interest in portraying the soldiers of the WWII era is for historical and educational purposes that serve to honor their memory.
Goals of our Society
The focus of what we do is to educate the public. The most pivotal point of the 20th century was World War Two. Every living person in the U. S. today was affected by the events of World War Two in some way, shape or form. Unfortunately today’s schools only touch on the history of WWII, and there are many young people, as well as middle aged, that have no idea of the sacrifices made by the previous generation and events of the era that shaped the future we now live in. Our society strives to serve as a reminder to current as well as future generations of the greatest, and hopefully the last world war, the world will ever know. The accomplishments and sacrifices of our nations “Greatest Generation” must never be forgotten.
Events and Activities
The HRS sponsors ‘Living History Displays’ that are open to the public. These events feature personal collections on display as well as authentic period campsites and other WWII artifacts. Spectators are welcome to view the displays and ask questions of the re-enactors. Often times there are restored WWII military vehicles, both Allied and Axis, as part of the display. Certain events will also feature a ‘public battle’, in which a battle is portrayed for the benefit of the spectators to view the weapons, vehicles and tactics of World War Two in action.
The HRS also works with veterans groups, town officials and local historical societies to sponsor a ‘Static Display’ of artifacts and equipment. These events are portrayed as a ‘Living History Museum’. In which the visitors can interact with the displays. Many towns and villages also request our services for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies as well as parades.
Our society also holds private ‘Tactical Battles’. These are actual ‘war games in which WWII battles are recreated. Tactical battles are held on private property, such as military training areas or Boy Scout camps, and are closed to the public. Participants stay in barracks, when available, or authentic on site bivouac. Tactical battles are held on weekend dates all over the nearby Midwest area throughout the year.
Many individual members also participate in local historical presentations in conjunction with school and local history events. It is entirely up to the individual how much time and effort one wants to put into WWII re-enacting.
Membership requirements:
Male, 18 or older.
Join our parent group, the World War Two Historical Re-Enactment Society, Inc., and agree to abide by and follow all of our society’s safety and authenticity guidelines.
(http://www.worldwartwohrs.org/Safety.htm) (http://www.worldwartwohrs.org/Authen.htm)
Be available weekends and willing and able to travel to participate in events.
Be willing to cut you hair to the style of the era and shave off any facial hair.
Replace your modern style eyeglasses with period correct style glasses.
Be willing to act in the manner of a WWII Marine at events when the public is present.
Be willing and financially able to legally own a rifle and purchase your complete Marine impression.
Be physically fit and proportionally built within reason for your impression.
Other Policies:
Do not bring your under aged children to "Hang out" at the event. We are not a baby sitting service.
Do not bring under age children to an event in uniform. Never do this. Be "Dad of the Year" on someone else's time.
Do not bring your significant other to "Hang out" at our display.
If you are a resident of Illinois, you must have your F.O.I.D. card on you at all times during an event.
Bringing live ammunition to and event will get you escorted out of the event and your membership immediately terminated.