WWII Reenactment Days –– May 19th & 20th, 2012

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois, is honoring World War II veterans during its third annual Anzio Express and North Platte Canteen event during Armed Forces Day weekend, May 19-20, 2012. The event will highlight how trains played a critical role during the war and contributed to the final Allied victory.

The event features more than 150 Allied, Axis and civilian WWII re-enactors who will set up period campsite displays and hold pitched public battles for control of a critical rail yard. Some scenarios include the public in the middle of the action, as a German commandeered train is overrun by the advancing American troops.

A re-creation of the famous volunteer canteen in North Platte, Neb., that gave comfort and food to tens of thousands of U.S, troops will be re-created. The public can ride the train and interact with scores of American soldiers on their cross-country trip as they stop at canteen.

The museum will assist in brining the 1940s back to life with its operational railway rolling stock, including restored passenger cars and streetcars from the period.

The event takes place on the grounds of the Illinois Railway Museum and includes use of its working trains, trolleys and streetcars.