Re-enactors transformed the grassy area just west of VFW Park into two separate World War II battles Saturday.

Participants fired off round after round of empty shells as part of skirmishes between Allied forces (American troops) and Axis soldiers (German troops).

Roughly 75 re-enactors took to the “battlefield” on foot or in military vehicles.

The morning demonstration was the Battle for Hoy (Belgium) and the afternoon was the Battle for Carentan (France).

It was all part of the second annual Tonganoxie VFW Military Vehicle Show and D-Day Encampment.

There also were weapons demonstrations, including the firing of a Civil War cannon in VFW Park. The park is where visitors could see the encampment of American and German “soldiers.”

Shawn F. Linenberger

Tonganoxie’s Loren Feldkamp, who is superintendent of schools for Tonganoxie USD 464, also has been involved in reenactments for years and helped organize the event. The former history teacher said this year’s event went well.

“I think it was the atmosphere with the quality of the displays in the VFW Park but also those participating were very impressed with the interaction that the people from Tonganoxie had with them,” Feldkamp said. “I think that was the biggest takeaway from Saturday.

“It gives them a chance to share knowledge of World War II history and their equipment.”

Feldkamp said there’s no set script when it comes to the skirmishes, other than what the outcome of the battles would be. He said he met with commanders of the various reenacting units beforehand. U.S. forces won the morning battle, while the Germans prevailed in the afternoon session. He said there were nine units altogether.

Shawn F. Linenberger

Troops advanced on the ground while various vehicles moved throughout.

For instance, a Jeep, a Volkswagen and a German Puma tank all were among vehicles roaring through the battlefield as the skirmish took place.

After the skirmishes finished up, spectators were invited to pick up the empty bullet shells that were fired across the “battlefield.”

It’s a common occurrence at reenactments across the country, Feldkamp said Monday.

After narrating the Saturday morning battle with a microphone, Feldkamp invited spectators to converge on the grounds.

“It’s like an Easter egg hunt,” Feldkamp said about the search for blanks as youths darted toward the “battle” site for souvenirs. “Man, they’re everywhere.”

He said Monday that the kids always enjoy grabbing the souvenirs. And, it helps in cleaning up the area after the skirmishes.

The tradition happens at larger events as well, including large re-enactment shows near Chicago and St. Louis.

On Saturday, re-enactors came from as far as Jefferson City, Missouri, for the event. Others were from Omaha, Nebraska, with many coming from the Kansas City area. Feldkamp said others came from Salina, El Dorado, Emporia, Hutchinson and Topeka.

The group included representatives from Kansas City and Topeka units of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.

Feldkamp noted that Dave Thomas from McLouth also brought several vehicles.

“He’s a great supporter of the event,” Feldkamp said.

Tonganoxie VFW’s Andy Burke said the show and encampment will continue to be an annual event. There’s already talks about adding more activities for next year’s version.

Felkamp said re-enactors were impressed with the park and the hospitality. The Tonganoxie VFW Post 9271 Women’s Auxiliary served breakfast to the group. The re-enactors also were given a lunch at the post home in between skirmishes and other demonstrations.

“We don’t get treated like that very often, so that’s a real plus for Tonganoxie,” Feldkamp said.

Many re-enactors set up camp Friday night, with some staying Saturday night as well.

For many, it’s a chance for units to get together. Some bring their own kitchens.

“It’s a big campout, like going to the lake,” Feldkamp explained. “If they’re going to drive from Jefferson City, Missouri, they’re gonna stay awhile.”

The former government and history teacher estimated that about a third of the re-enactors are retired military, while many others are history enthusiasts. The infantrymen re-enactors generally range in age from 18-32. Others participating are in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

Feldkamp is a proponent of “hands-on history” and events such as Saturday’s show in Tonganoxie provide that for people of many ages.

“I think for young people to really enjoy history, they have to see it, touch it, hear it,” Feldkamp said. “Those re-enactors love having those kids come up and talk to them. It really makes their weekend.”