A USO Recreation

Seventy years ago this September began the last great war.  In Reading, Pennsylvania for the past fifteen years the Reading's Mid-Atlantic Air Museum hosts the regions most comprehensive throw back to the 1940s.  For those of you who have missed this event mark your calendars for the first weekend of next June right now.

When you arrive to this eastern Pennsylvania event, which is held adjacent to Reading's regional airport, the first thing that you encounter is the camp city filled with over 300 men and women dressed in original 40s military uniforms representing both sides of the conflict. Troop housing, medical tents of the Allies and the Axis side by side. This may have been difficult seventy years ago, but in today's world it appears that we all can get along. Scattered around the event are rows of tents where war enthusiasts hock war memorabilia. For the modern swing dancer there are better treasures. Forget the bayonets, we're talking clothes. Doll's will find a vast selection of WAC outfits, nurse's uniforms and of course civilian dresses and accessories. Your average Hepcat has an even larger selection of original military dress and combat uniforms. Some of the selection were overpriced, but the experienced shopper can find a complete and smart outfit for under $200.

Through out the afternoon the participating troops recreate an average battle with a mock fire fight which includes Jeeps and small tanks. The beautiful machinery is above. Mixed in with the infrequent USAir flight are the most beautiful planes that give the spectator the true feel of the 40s. All afternoon vintage WWII planes are taking off and landing, giving you a beautiful feel of the classic days of aviation. 50 Aircraft, B-17s, B-25s, Mustangs, Corsairs and even Japanese Zeros, fly overhead, some showing of barrel roll maneuvers others just buzzing over the runway. While on the ground are an array of classic automobiles from the era. Welcome back to yester-year. Welcome back to 1941.
 
As dusk begins to fall the thousands of people at the event converge on the main airplane hanger, where Delmas Wood arrives in a motorcade in the roll of FDR.  Wood delivers the "Day of Infamy" speech in full FDR character. After the speech, Swing Fever takes over the stage to recreate the USO dance. For over three hours this 20-piece orchestra plays the big band classics to a packed dance floor. This is truly an event for the entire family. This year I encountered people from all across America. Toddlers to eighty year-olds. Everyone is there to enjoy the music and the bygone days of yester-year. This time no one is injured for real in the battle. And everyone is happy to dance and sing along with the opposing forces. If you are interested in a great photo experience and love to dance be sure to catch the next memorial weekend next year.

www.maam.org