From: Roy Wells (<roy_wells@qm.vitalink.com>)
Subject:  Civil War Reenactment in Concord, California
Reply-To: Roy Wells (<roy_wells@qm.vitalink.com>)
Organization: Never Never Land
Distribution: alt.war.civil.usa, ba.general
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1992 17:38:26 GMT

 
 Civil War at Concord Naval Weapons Station in California

	It may be a United States Navy base, but it will be two armies 
of 1863 that will face each other in combat on the field of the Concord
 Naval Weapons Station on August 22-23.  No, it isnt part of a military 
training exercise, but rather an educational event provided by the members 
of the National Civil War Association (NCWA).

	As one of the eight Civil War reenactments hosted by the NCWA to 
help educate the public about the history of an event that forever changed 
and shaped the course of America, the event at Concord offers several 
special attributes for the organization.

	This will be the first time the NCWA has conducted a reenactment 
of this kind on a military base, commented NCWA event coordinator Charles 
Tarbox.  And the Navy has been splendid.  We couldnt ask for a more 
cooperative host.  Its also one of the few remaining places in the Bay 
Area with enough open space to conduct this kind of event.

	Limited access to the Concord Naval Weapons Station will permit 
visitors to watch the battles, tour the camps, and meet the armed forces 
that fought in America about 130 years ago.  The event will be something 
of a celebration of the honor, courage and dedication of the Americans who 
have served in the armed forces, both yesterday and today.

	"We are pleased to provide the community with this opportunity to 
witness the recreation of history as part of the Weapon Station's 50th 
anniversary celebration," said Captain R.L. Owens, USN, the station's 
commanding officer.  The Concord Naval Weapons Stations was 50 years
old as of June 27th of this year.

	 Reenactments conducted by the NCWA provide the public a chance 
to walk through military camps of the Union and Confederate armies of 1863, 
through a civilian camp, and see how life was for the people of that era.  In 
these camps, the members of the NCWA have spared little to re-create life 
as it was over a century and a quarter ago.  The tents are wood and white 
canvas with no finished floors.  Food is prepared over camp fires.  The soldiers 
wear uniforms of wool, in winter cold and summer heat.

	One of the most common questions we get at summer events is Are 
you hot in that uniform? commented NCWA President Ron Trambley.  And the 
answer is generally, Yes!  But its important for people to understand that this 
is what the soldiers had back then.  That serving your country was a hardship, 
then and now. 

	When asked if the NCWAs activities glorify war, Trambley smiles.  No.  
When children watch two or three hundred of our soldiers walk onto a battlefield, 
and then see how few are left when the battle ends, and hear the moaning and 
cries of the wounded and dying, I cant see how anyone would believe we 
glorify war.  What we do is show how horrible war was then, and how frightening 
it can be today.

	There was a recent case of a young boy who came to one of our events 
and watched our battles, then when he got home, he told his mother he didnt 
want to play war any more.  He said hed seen what war was like, and it didnt 
look like fun.  It was just a little too real.

	That young boy got a very valuable lesson from the NCWA, Trambley 
concluded.

	The NCWA reenactments at the Concord Naval Weapons Station will 
be on Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23.  Visitors at the station may tour
the camps Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Sunday from 9am to 3pm.  Battle 
reenactments will be staged on Saturday at 1pm and 4pm, Sunday at 11am 
and 2pm.  Visitors will be issued special commanding officer's guest passes 
when they enter the Naval Weapons Station's main gate on Port Chicago 
Highway, just north of State Highway 4.  Safety and security regulations 
are listed on the passes for the convenience of guests attending this event.

	Persons who want more information on other NCWA events may call 
the NCWA information line at 408-927-7651.

----
"If you can't make 70 by a comfortable road, don't go."
--Mark Twain