Local Events: World War II Weekend in Reading, PA

The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's annual World War II Weekend in Reading, PA is without a doubt one of the most spectacular historical extravaganzas in the country, and maybe even the world. The museum's enormous World War II Weekend program comprises what is commonly credited with being, in the words of Military Vehicle Magazine's editors: "The largest and the best World War II reenactment in the nation - bar none." For aviation buffs, the museum itself boasts a massive and utterly humbling collection of some of the world's most historically important and magnificently restored aircraft.

The high-octane air shows in which many of them also star are explosive displays of aerial acrobatics neither 12 year old tagalongs nor salty retired GI's are likely to forget any time soon. This year's turnout included the surviving 'Doolittle Raiders' - the infamous veterans who took on one of the most suicidal and daring missions in US military history when they flew a counter-attack into the heart of Tokyo's industrial district following the bombing of Pearl Harbor - and for a few hundred bucks, some lucky patrons were even given a chance to ride shotgun with the historic icons.

But, thankfully, historical, military, and media celebrities are actually a fairly common showing at WWII Weekend. The first time I went, I got a chance to meet the world-famous "Gunny" - R. Lee Ermey, Vietnam War Drill Sergeant-turned TV and movie actor, most famous for his groundbreaking role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick's 1987 masterpiece, Full Metal Jacket. He was there promoting his popular History Channel Q&A series Mail Call (yes, his beloved Jeep was there too), and was more than happy to strike a pose and snap a free photo with anyone interested - he even signed a surplus .30 caliber machine gun ammo can I picked up over in one of the many storefront tents on the fairground for less than $10.

Obviously, with its annual attendance of around 100,000 people, WWII weekend doesn't exactly radiate a typical 'museum' vibe. And there's certainly nothing boring here - the first time I attended my heart nearly burst out of my stomach like a Ridley Scott special effect when I was immediately greeted by thundering bursts of MG-42 and Thompson machine gun fire being exchanged by re-enactors, darting back and forth between stone walls, hedges, and old houses, in full period-costume.

The entertainment doesn't stop with roaring bomber engines and Band of Brothers style shootouts, either. WWII Weekend also features a plethora of live stage performances, including everything from re-enactments and period-clothing fashion shows to live bands playing old classics and huge open-floor couples dances, 40's style. Numerous war heroes frequently give speeches, sign autographs, or just lean back against the shiny fuselage of retired bombers, grab a microphone, and tell jokes and stories and answer questions in smaller, more intimate group settings.

This year, the MAAM even has an HD trailer for their upcoming DVD, showcasing some of the highlights from 2009's events. It's definitely worth a look if you're not sold on attending yet, and you can watch the whole thing here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO06O7Pw5_g, courtesy of YouTube. While you're at it, check out the museum's online photo gallery, which features previous performances, celebrity attendees, and epic battle scenes in action: http://www.maam.org/wwii/photos/ww2_photo.htm. The museum's main site includes some great information and links to resources helpful for those planning to visit in the future, or just anyone looking to learn a few things about a pivotal period in our nation's history and maybe listen to some authentic period radio broadcasts while they're at it: http://www.maam.org/maamwwii.html.

Next year, the MAAM will celebrate its 20^th annual WWII Weekend, running through June 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th, at the Reading Regional Airport, as always, but even if you don't live nearby, it's definitely worth the pilgrimage. Every year, history buffs, antique collectors, war veterans, traders, re-enactors, and people that just love great entertainment, great food, and great company flock from all over the country to witness the unforgettable spectacle that is WWII Weekend. And the common consensus from young and old alike? It's well worth the mileage.