While this is not strictly a Polish event this event has seen Exile Polish re-enactors at it since its inception. Please take the time to visit this website. As the surviving vets pass it is a vivid reminder of he cost of Freedom.

It was at the this event that we discovered James Ace Burnham, one of the two American volunteers in the Independent Polish Parachute Brigade and were able to glean first hand accounts of training and service with the Brigade along with his friendship with Lt. Richard Tice.

thanks,

Piwo
Happy VE Day everyone! As most of you are aware VE Day is opening day for registering for D-Day Conneaut 2012, Friday, August 17th and Saturday, August 18th. At the stroke of midnight, online registration will be open to reenactors and will extend to Monday August 6th, coinciding with the dropping of the first atomic bomb. Two easy dates to remember and it’s our plan to keep it that way from here on out.

Hard at work since the conclusion of last years event, your D-Day Conneaut staff and supporters have been working diligently to assure that the 13th Anniversary of D-Day Conneaut is the best ever. New for 2012, two full days!, as we open to the public from 0900 to 1700. Preparations are being made for approximately 10,000 public attendees. As always, the event is free to the public!

D-Day Conneaut is also FREE to pre-registered reenactors and all WWII ETO and home front impressions are welcomed! Online registration can be easily found at D-Day Ohio: D-DAY Conneaut 2012. Registered participants MUST check in at the event site to obtain inspection forms/meal passes. If you miss the online registration period, registrations will be accepted on site but will incur a $10.00 walk-on fee. You must be 16 years of age with a parent or legal guardian or 18 to participate as a combatant.

Some quick notes about 2012:

Arrival in Conneaut: If you want, arrive on the field as early as Wednesday. Although onsite check-in and registration won’t be open, do stop at the Check-In Center for directions to your camp area. Formal check-in/camp setup opens Thursday and Friday, 0900 to 2200. Modern vehicles will not be permitted from 0900-1700 on Friday but transportation for your camp equipment will be available - car-side to camp site. Saturday check-in is from 0800 to 0900 and no modern vehicles will be permitted in camp after 0830.

Friday at 1030, reenactors are encouraged to meet our heroes of WWII at the 2nd annual Veterans Meet and Greet. This window of time has been set aside to offer you a unique opportunity to get to know our honored veterans one-on-one and is open only to reenactors and volunteers. This is your chance to spend some really great quality time with our heroes. If you know a veteran that would want to attend, please have them, or their family, contact me (Eric Montgomery) at 412-726-6665. You can also send me an email to stitch@ddayohio.us and I’ll take care of the rest from there!

Additions to camp activities are scheduled for Friday including a continuation of last year’s pre-invasion training complete with assault team practice landings using a Higgins Boat. New for 2012 is an Allied vs. Axis soccer match, a ladies social hour, a vintage hair and makeup class for female reenactors and additional activities in the German encampment for children. Open to all allied and axis participants, Higgins Boat rides will be offered from 1200 to 1400. Beginning at 1700, our first combat scenario of the weekend begins with the Allied attack on a German checkpoint at Foucarville. Returning Friday night, Post 151 of the American Legion in Conneaut is once again be hosting a steak dinner for a modest fee. After dinner, a "biergarten" will be hosted by the Axis staff at Pizzi’sCafé, located near the event site. Transportation to and from the Café and the Legion will be provided!

Saturday will feature the allied attack on German positions at La Fiere Bridge at 1100. The Normandy Amphibious Landing recreation will begin at 1500 with formations at 1330 and yes, the B-25 will be making a return visit, along with our fighter planes! Prior to and after these featured events, the schedule is packed tight with demonstrations, talks and activities designed to make your living history experience a memorable one. Veteran Reflections begin at noon and last until 1330 hosted by yours truly. Judging for unit competition for best living history display/interpretation will be made by members of the American Legion and VFW. The winners of the competition will be announced at the USO dance on Saturday night. Prior to the dance, FREE dinner will be served at the American Legion and immediately following, the USO dance features the Big Band sounds of the Madison Jazz Project. Admission to the dance is free for registered reenactors. Accompanied by professional singers, MJP is truly awesome! The freebies continue on Sunday morning as the Conneaut Moose Club will also be offering breakfast to those who sign up for it during online registration or check in.

National and local Militaria vendors as well as additional food service providers will be in attendance. After a hard day of fun and fighting, there are shower facilities within 5 minutes of the event site. On site, a public shower is located on the boardwalk access to the beach, but it is not private, meaning you have to wear a swimsuit. Better yet, take a refreshing dip in Lake Erie! Reenactor parking is approximately 1 block from each camp.

All of us are looking forward to another spectacular year and hope you can join us. As the event draws nearer, revisit the event web site for the latest information. There are also a few other surprises in store for 2012. Sorry friends we won’t give away all the secrets right away, but let’s just say there will be one hell of a bang as we remember that "Longest Day", June 6th 1944.

My best to you as always as we do our best to impress our Vets…

Eric Montgomery, D-Day Conneaut Staff
6th Naval Beach Battalion Reenacted
D-Day Ohio: D-DAY Conneaut 2012