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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Reading WWII Days 2014


My son Sean and I made our annual visit to WWII days at Reading airport. It is a large three day show featuring dozens of WWII aircraft from heavy bombers to Mustangs to trainers. They also have large encampments of very authentic reenactors, armored vehicles, a USO show, flea market and more. Where else can you see a flame thrower demo?

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The encampment was large and everyone agreed that this was the best weather in memory. That's a plus when you are dressed in wool and sleeping in canvas tents.

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The pilot's tents were very authentic and detailed. Sean really liked seeing how fighter pilots lived on the field during the war.

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Authentic ice cream sandwiches. A nice way to cool off. I almost felt out of place in modern clothes.

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As always, the aircraft were spectacular. There's nothing like the sound of a Mustang doing a low pass or a heavy bomber taking off. I'm glad Sean is able to see this.

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My sister and her two girls joined us mid show.

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Sean's favorite, a German half track.

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Another thing you can't do just anywhere- firing your choice of WWII weapons. They had everything from M1's to Browning Automatic Rifles to Schmeisser submachine guns. All fired blanks of course.

Sean really liked getting to do this.

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The BAR is heavy!

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Here's a video of Sean shooting the M1. I had forgotten how far the cartridges flew when ejected and got pelted with hot casings.

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We had a great time and will continue to make this an annual event. It really whets our appetite for Oshkosh.


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