By Edmee CR Hasler
On a sunny Saturday, the 24th Virginia Infantry Living Historians commemorated the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at the Salem Museum & Historical Society. The event was a vibrant tapestry of history, with living historians and reenactors clad in authentic uniforms, surrounded by an extensive collection of military equipment, weapons, and souvenirs from D-Day and WWII. The atmosphere was electric, as visitors of all ages wandered through the displays, engaging in conversations that brought the past vividly to life.
Among the dedicated historians was David Gilmer, a passionate advocate for immersive historical education. “We’ve done things here at the museum for the last 7-8 years,” Gilmer explained, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “We portray all eras from the Revolutionary War to today.” For Gilmer, events like these are not just about remembering the past, but about making history tangible and relatable.
“We really don’t teach history anymore, the way we teach it, it’s kind of boring and it doesn’t generate any interest in our young people,” Gilmer lamented. He recounted his own journey into the world of history, crediting his 7th grade social studies teacher for igniting a lifelong passion. “He formed what he called the explorers club and we would go visit local historical sites. Being able to see historical sites live makes you realize that this is real stuff that happened to real people; it’s not just dates and numbers in a book.”
Gilmer emphasized the transformative power of hands-on experiences. “What we are doing here, this is hands on,” he said, gesturing to the array of artifacts on display. “People know what a German helmet looks like but have never felt how heavy it was. People might wonder, ‘Why is it that color, that shape, and look, they had camouflage covers.’ It adds a whole new element to see and to feel and to smell…to experience history rather than be told history.”
Doug Camper, another dedicated reenactor, echoed Gilmer’s sentiments. A self-proclaimed history enthusiast, Camper volunteered his time to be at the event. “I love it, it’s my pleasure to do anything about history,” he said with a smile. Camper highlighted the importance of remembering and learning from past conflicts. “It’s really important, because history, especially about wars…people want to forget the wars because of how much unpleasantness there was in the wars. Wars are important because they show that freedom really isn’t free.”
Camper spoke passionately about the significance of WWII. “The importance of what happened, especially to this country: We stood up with other countries to fight against Fascism and Nazism and to destroy the totalitarian rulers. We destroyed the Japanese Empire.” His words resonated with visitors, who were reminded of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.
As the day progressed, the Salem Museum & Historical Society buzzed with activity. Children and adults alike marveled at the historical artifacts, asked questions, and listened intently to stories of bravery and sacrifice. The event was more than just a commemoration; it was an opportunity to connect with the past in a meaningful way, to feel the weight of a soldier’s helmet, to hear the clang of period-accurate weapons, and to appreciate the complexity of history beyond the pages of a textbook.
By the end of the day, it was clear that the 24th Virginia Infantry Living Historians had succeeded in their mission. They had not only commemorated the 80th Anniversary of D-Day but had also sparked a curiosity and respect for history among those who attended. Through their dedication and passion, they had brought history to life, ensuring that the lessons of the past would continue to be remembered and cherished by future generations.
