"Lest they be Forgotten"

The World War 2 Living History Regiment, Inc. (The Regiment), was founded in 1982, and is a non-profit Educational/Historical organization chartered in the State of Colorado in 1988. This fact sheet will help to answer any questions you may have about our hobby and/or organization.

You may have visited a National Battle Site from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, or the Indian Wars that are scattered throughout that part of the nation where these events took place. You may have also visited Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, Bents Fort, Colorado, Fort Laramie, Wyoming, or similarly restored vintage towns or sites. In some of these places you can see people dressed in clothes or uniforms of the period represented. During the Civil War Centennial, or more recently during the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations, many people dressed in the uniforms and equipment of both sides from these periods and put on mock battles. Perhaps you were fortunate enough to have seen some of these events in person. More likely you saw small bits and pieces of them on national news or other television programs. These mock battles are called "reenactments," staged tactical simulations for the enjoyment of the public and the personal exhilaration of the participants. Reenactments are a facet of Living History, the terms used to describe the portrayal of past events.

The Regiment is a vehicle though which people can actively pursue the hobby of reenacting World War 2 tactical battles. The purpose of The Regiment is to keep alive the traditions of the "Combat Soldiers" of this conflict. We also wish to educate the public to the importance of preserving the artifacts of this era and to foster the growth of reenacting as a hobby. Our standards are kept high to support combined objectives of authenticity and personal enjoyment.

The Regiment is dedicated to the preservation of World War 2 memorabilia and the demonstration of World War 2 battles, tactics, and equipment to the public for their education and enjoyment. We hold "closed to the public" tactical events for our own enjoyment and as practice for the public events. Regimental events for the public include parades, displays, reenactments (many times done in conjunction with school history classes, fairs or airshows), and other civic activities.

The Regiment is made up of American, British, German, and Russian units. We have members from Florida to Delaware to California with many states in between and also in Germany and Korea. The Russian units are made up of members from the American, British, and German units who do Russian as an alternate impression so we can have Russian Front battles.

The Regiment consist of six units: U.S. - 3/506 PIR, 101st Airborne, 3/39, 9th ID. Polish - 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division. German - Fallschirmjäger-Rgt.1 & 6.SS Gebirgs Div. "Nord". Russian - 1st Moscow Motorized Rifle Division. The following units are reforming and looking for recruits: U.S. British - #4 Commando, 51st Highland. German - I./GJR100/ 5.Gebirgs Div.

The Regimental Newsletter HighGround contains Regimental business, general membership information, unit pages, and articles on military history, weapons, and equipment of the World War 2 period. Also listed in H.G. are future events (Battles, skirmishes, displays, airshows, etc.).

Membership is open to any legally competent person of good character (NO convicted felons, drug users, or Neo-nutzis) at least 18 years of age (family members may be 16) who fills out the required forms and pays the required annual dues. New members must join for two years. You must also join a recognized unit to participate in Regimental activities. Some units may have unit dues. All general members receive the Regimental newsletter High Ground three times per year.

As Winston Churchill said, "There is nothing as exhilarating as being shot at and missed."

Reenacting is the only hobby where you can get "killed" four or five times in a day and go home unhurt. While it is not for everyone - and what is? - If you would like to be part of reliving history, whether in a parade or on the Battle Field, using vintage weapons, and occasionally vehicles and airplanes, then you should join us.