You are cordially invited to the German 
wedding in uniform of Luftwaffe Stuka pilot Johann Warsteiner and Professor Gretchen Mueller.
These folks were honored at Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s WW II Weekend with a 3 day wedding ceremony, hosted by the Luftwaffe Aircrew Reenactors Association.
This step back into the 1940’s was taking place for the 25th time this past weekend. It is a unique experience, most especially for the survivors of WWII, who are now in their 90’s and come in smaller numbers each year.
Many of the participants spend the weekend camped out at the sprawling property surrounding the private airport. But many stay at local hotels.
That is where I met the guests of honor from the Luftwaffe wedding in 2010.
The reaction that the American soldiers received was one of universal respect and admiration.
The reenactors dressed as Germans had more mixed reviews. It was interesting to witness.
Many hotel guests, on vacation or business, were at first unaware of the WWII event, always held near June 6 to commemorate D Day. They approached the Germans with a restrained curiosity.
The officers assembled in the lobby to attend private supper clubs that still exist in the area featuring Sauerbraten, Bratwurst, Wiener Schnitzel, and Spaetzle.
This was Pennsylvania Dutch country, the word Dutch evolving as a mispronunciation of “Deutsch” which means German. The abundance of locals who trace their roots back to Germany allowed for an easier acceptance and welcome.
It is uncertain how they might be received in other geographies. It seemed appropriate to hold the event here.
***This is Day 1 of the 5 Days- 5 Photos challenge. ***
Thanks to Colleen at Silver Threading for the nomination.
http://silverthreading.com/2015/06/07/5-days-5-photos-foggy-morning-in-the-field/
I will be happy to announce my nominations on the 5th day.
Van ❤️
vanbytheriver 
Yes, must have been a very interesting mix of emotions, but such a special event as well. 🙂
I hear that it’s very different in Europe. They have, for example, banned the reenactors in Nazi gear. No doubt.
Well I’m glad that sensitivity exists!
We need never forget. Thanks, Kelly.
Interesting.
Always had a passion for the people-watching thing, Amy. It was fun to notice this stuff. ☺
Interesting post, Van. That’s some wedding! I imagine it’s hard to do these reenactments and not get swept up into the characters and emotions.
It’s a lifestyle for some. We have friends that are caught up in the Civil War reenactments..plan their vacations around several each year. Different strokes. ☺
It looks like fun but an awful lot of work too. I’m too lazy. I’ll stick with the back deck and a good book:)
There you go… 💕
Wow. Coming from a German/Russian background I can only say that I am amazed that anyone would want to reenact anything featuring Nazi Germany. How interesting. I read recently that Germany is cracking down on anything that has to do with the Nazi’s. Now the food served sounds like the food I grew up with in Wisconsin. Thanks, Van. You always have the most interesting posts!! ❤
There are also Japanese soldiers, Soviets, etc. It is a mega event and all nations are represented. They built a replica of a French village that is rescued from the Germans by Allied forces, a Pacific front battle scene, etc. It is pretty amazing. Thanks, Colleen. 💕
Wow! That is just amazing. 😊💖
It draws people from all over the east coast…a 3 day event with 20,000 visitors each day. It features a lot of vintage aircraft..you can book a ride in many of them..for a price. (Some as much as $2000. for a 20 minute ride) ☺
I bet this is incredible. Good information. I know the aircraft are a draw for sure! 🙂
Sounds like an interesting time. Some people may object, but it seems harmless to me.
For any kind of validity, it would be wrong to not have them represented. Of course, there are dangers…there’s no denying that this area has spawned some neo-Nazi youth groups. I had a friend who was devastated to find her son had a swastika tattoo. Hard to believe, but it’s out there.
If someone has a tendency to gravitate towards neo-nazis, it’s not going to be some costume reenactment that will convince him/her to finally join.
For sure, thankfully.
That’s pretty cool.
Thanks, George. I thought so too.
I learn something new every day. Mixed feelings for me, too.
“The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink addresses post-war Germany coming to terms with Nazi atrocities. Excellent read. There are German/Scot roots in Jim’s family tree, and German/Irish in mine; an interesting perspective.
Thanks for the book recommendation, Van. So much of life is about coming to terms… ❤
Isn’t that the truth, Angie ☺
Oh, I love!
Danke schoen !! ☺