Remembering Our Heroes salutes WWII veterans - Oct. 25

photo Allied troops advance during a mock battle at a previous Remembering Our Heroes tribute at the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe.

If you go• What: Remembering Our Heroes Day• When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25• Where: Barnhardt Circle polo field, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.• Admission: $10 adults, $5 active or retired military with ID and ages 18 and younger or 65 and older; $2 JROTC and Scouts wearing uniform shirt; free for World War II veterans• Phone: 706-861-2860• Websites: www.6thcavalry museum.com, wwiiheroes.net

The sights and sounds of World War II return to Fort Oglethorpe again this year for the 6th Cavalry Museum's fifth annual Remembering Our Heroes, which features living-history displays, battle reenactments and a USO show among its highlights.

Remembering Our Heroes takes place Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the parade field at the historic Army Post at Fort Oglethorpe. A special program for school groups will be held Friday, Oct. 24.

Battle reenactments are the main focus of Remembering Our Heroes. Reenactors decked out in authentic WWII uniforms representing both the Allied and Axis soldiers advance toward each other across the parade field while firing blanks from their authentic WWII-era weapons.

Beyond the uniforms, vehicles, displays and reenactments, Remembering Our Heroes is really about honoring and remembering those that have served our country, particularly during WWII, says Chris McKeever, director of the 6th Cavalry Museum.

"They are often referred to as 'the Greatest Generation,' and if you ever take the time to listen to their stories you will see why," she says. "We are rapidly losing these veterans, and this event allows us the opportunity to say thank you to them."

All WWII veterans receive free admission to Remembering Our Heroes and are honored by name during the opening ceremony.

"We call each one present by name and present them with a special pin thanking them for their service," McKeever says. "It's truly heartwarming to see these men, some of whom come in their uniforms, and their family members who attend with them. They are all so proud, so honored to be here, but what they don't realize is that it's the rest of us who are honored to have them at the event and be able to share this day with them."

Denny Hair will portray Gen. George Patton at the event. Visitors can walk through Patton's command tent and sit in on a meeting between him and his officers. A medical tent show the first aid and medical treatments soldiers would receive during the war, and the rest of the camp will show what daily life was like for the soldiers.

Upcoming Events