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James Strouss, left, and Jason Smith, Colorado Military Historic Group members, stand dressed in authentic World War I uniforms in front of stacked military rifles of the era during the 4th Infantry Division Museum reopening and Living History Day June 4, 2016. (Photo by Capt. Shaun T. Manley)
By Capt. Shaun T. Manley
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Re-enactments from authentically dressed Soldiers portraying the history of the 4th Infantry Division during World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War marked the reopening of the 4th Infantry Division Museum June 4, 2016.
After nearly nine months of renovations, the Mountain Post kicked off the reopening of the museum by combining it with the third annual Living History Day where Soldiers of the “Ivy” Division teamed up with members of the Colorado Military Historic Group (CMHG) to provide attendees an interactive look into the division’s history since its organization in 1917.
“We scheduled these events together as close to D-Day as we could,” said Joseph Berg, curator, 4th Inf. Div. Museum. “The original day (June 6, 2016) fell on a Monday this year, so we conducted it on June 4, 2016, to give everyone the opportunity to take part.”
Throughout the day, attendees were afforded the opportunity to take part in the many events happening inside and outside of the museum, located near Gate 1. These events included authentic displays of military equipment and weapons, Allied and Axis forces encampments, vehicle static displays and historians dressed in authentic uniforms worn during the past century.
Members of the CMHG, dressed in full kits, both American and German, performed re-enactments of several key battles and events throughout the day, giving the spectators a taste of military life.
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From left, Tristan Buja, Matthew Barela and Mel Romero, members of Colorado Military Historic Group, cool off in the shade during the 4th Infantry Division Museum reopening and Living History Day near Gate 1 June 4, 2016. (Photo by Capt. Shaun T. Manley)
“It’s an honor to dress up and re-enact these events to show the public what the Soldiers went through for the protection of our liberties,” said Capt. Randall Nordlund, brigade aviation officer, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., and historical enthusiast.
Bob Burrows, a World War II veteran who served with 2nd Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, shared his recollection of the 4th Inf. Div. with anyone he could.
“I remember the 4th Infantry Division was a great unit that fell under 1st Army (in Europe),” said Burrows. “My unit fell under 3rd Army so we worked close with the 4ID Soldiers and they have a tremendous history to be proud of.”
Visitors of the event got the chance to throw German stick grenades at one of the stations and also climb on current military equipment provided by current brigades of the 4th Inf. Div. An M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank and crew were provided by
3rd ABCT, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew by the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and a Stryker combat vehicle and crew from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team were on display.
“We hope that everyone enjoyed this event and love the museum as we work toward building the best warfighter museum to educate them on the tremendous history,” said 4th Inf. Div. Museum Director Scott Daubert. “The active units in the division really helped make this event more special for us all.”
The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret historically significant artifacts related to the history of the division from 1917 to present. It is responsible for exhibiting and interpreting the history and to support post education, training, research and historical programs.
“The 4th Infantry Division has had a remarkable history and it is our responsibility to not only preserve that history but to educate all we can on it,” added Daubert. “The Soldiers and civilians of the division continue to do great things that deserve archiving and to be taught.”
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Capt. Jordan Dosher, left, physical therapist, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Corvin Seery, Colorado Military History Group, dressed in authentic attire, pose for a photo near one of the many military vehicle displays at the 4th Inf. Div. Museum reopening and Living History Day June 4, 2016, outside Gate 1. (Photo by Capt. Shaun T. Manley)
Members of the 4th Inf. Div. Association Iron Horse Chapter, the 4th Inf. Div. Band “Barkely Avenue,” Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6461 and the USO also participated in the event.
“We were so grateful to be invited to this event to help educate Soldiers about veterans benefits,” said Kevin Reinhold, commander, VFW Post 6461. “We want them to know that all Soldiers are veterans and the VFW is for every one of them, not just the old Soldiers.”
Soldiers and civilians throughout the community arrived at the event throughout the day to take in the festivities.
Although it’s tough to portray all of the division’s history in a one-day event, with the museum now re-opened, the public has the opportunity to visit it throughout the year beginning June 24, 2016, the official opening.
“It’s quite interesting to me to see all of this and how well equipped the (Soldiers) are in today’s Army,” said Burrows.
“This is a great event and makes me proud to see how many are interested in the fine history of this division.”