Commemorate WWII with music, games, speakers

Friday, May 6, 2011

Inspirational speakers, games and 1940s memorabilia await the local community at this year's World War II Day event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Calvert County Fairgrounds.

The event, sponsored for the first time by Circle of Angels Initiative Inc., a faith-based group committed to public service in policy and advocacy to eliminate poverty and prevent risky behaviors, coincides with Circle of Angels' WWII USO Remembrance Night, which takes place in August at Solomons Island. It continues the tradition of the Calvert Marine Museum, which formerly hosted the Cradle of Invasion, to honor those who served in the WWII era. Circle of Angels also wishes to honor, through this year's WWII Day, all of those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.

During the day, which is free for anyone who wishes to attend, Circle of Angels will introduce and observe the "Moment," a new tradition, established by the U.S. government, of renewing the values upon which the nation was founded, commitment to service and pledging to honor America's fallen soldiers. Citizens will be asked to pause, wherever they are, at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, for the Moment and reflect on the sacrifices made for their freedoms. At WWII Day, activities will halt at 3 p.m. for observance.

"We're going to have 1940s-style entertainment," said Cheri Reulet, development coordinator with the Circle, including a drill, displays, music and a variety of other activities, and members of New Directions Theatre will be in period costume throughout the day.

The morning begins with a wreath-laying ceremony, a WWII-themed electronic gaming competition sponsored by Play N Trade of Lusby and a field training battle drill. In addition, there will be booths with resources for veterans and their families, food from local vendors and a panel of veterans and homefront heroes and heroines to tell their stories, which will be recorded for the Library of Congress Veterans Living History Project.

One of the most controversial events of the day, Reulet said, is inspirational guest speaker Mildred Muhammad, the wife of John Allen Muhammad, the 2002 Beltway sniper who killed at least 10 people on a killing spree in which he later claimed to be searching for her. He was convicted and eventually executed in 2009, but his wife went on to become an activist against domestic violence and an advocate for veterans and their families, which Reulet said ties right into the essence of WWII Day.

"She's there because some of the vendors are veterans assistants," Reulet said. "This is a family event. It ties in because we will have providers there. The rate of suicide in veterans returning from service is higher than before so we would like to have assistance there. It's about honoring those who've served and providing assistance. With Mildred, she actually goes to bases and raises awareness about domestic violence."

Muhammad also will be signing copies of her book, "Scared Silent," at the event, she added.

Throughout the day, visitors can view displays of military history from historical eras that affected the local community, including the War of 1812, the Civil War and WWII. If anyone is interested in bringing his or her own WWII memorabilia to place in the artifacts display, he or she can contact Cheryl Hall at 410-414-7111, or at Lighthouse Engravings & Signs, 135 W. Dares Beach Road, Suite No. 201, Prince Frederick.