The Revolutionary War and Iraq were not the only American wars
given notice during Morgan Hill
’s July Fourth celebrations. At Community Park Sunday afternoon,
a group from the California Historical Society re-created a World
War II company from the 505 regiment of the 82 airborne division.
Easy Company of the 505 was featured in the mini series ‘Band of
Brothers.’
The Revolutionary War and Iraq were not the only American wars given notice during Morgan Hill’s July Fourth celebrations.
At Community Park Sunday afternoon, a group from the California Historical Society re-created a World War II company from the 505 regiment of the 82 airborne division. Easy Company of the 505 was featured in the mini series ‘Band of Brothers.’
The entire event was a part of a World War II encampment that featured equipment used by paratroopers during D-Day.
With wooden rifles on their shoulders, a sergeant, dressed in World War II gear, directed six boys to march. He told them to look straight ahead and be as serious as possible. Two weren’t able to keep a straight face and were punished with push-ups.
The sergeant, later joined by his lieutenant, forced the boys to march at Community Park and even run. To motivate the boys the sergeant chanted, “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side!”
When it was all over, the six boys were handsomely rewarded with moon pies and allowed to go back to their mothers who had cheered and laughed the entire time.
Gabrial Gonzales was among the six who went through the mini-boot camp.
“It was fun,” Gonzales said. “I’m glad I didn’t have to do push-ups.”
The CHS exists to educate the public, especially younger generations, in the life and times of the period between 1939-45 and to honor and thank those who contributed in any way during the war.
The encampment featured tents that two men would sleep in, mock weapons including the rifles, a sniper rifle and a Browning Automatic Rifle, along with an assortment of knives.
“These are all representations of what a soldier would be carrying,” said Robert Myers, the sergeant leading the children in the march. “We want to show people what it was like for the soldiers during that time.”
The encampment also featured a vintage 741 Indian motorcycle in its original color along with other vehicles that the CHS group met up with at the parade.
People attending the Family Fun Festival were able to come out and see the encampment. Some, like Morgan Hill resident Tom Verna, brought their children out to see a little history.
“This is great for the kids, this is the first time that mine have had the chance to see something like this,” said Verna, who brought Loren, 4, and Michael, 2. “I like seeing a military presence on the Fourth.”
Among the on-lookers was Jason Litty of Huntington Beach, whose father was a Marine wounded while fighting in the Pacific.
“It’s nice to see an appreciation of the older generation, it’s sad to see this generation dying away,” Litty said. “I’m glad to see their memory preserved.”
