For anyone not invited to the red carpet premeiere of Brad Pitt’s World War II epic Fury, the Old Bethpage Village Restoration is holding a premiere of its own for vets and their families.
The Restoration Village will hold a “khaki carpet” and a parade of World War II armor the weekend of Oct. 11 and 12 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in a program that will honor the nation’s true stars: the fighting men and women.
Attendees are invited to participate in a historical encampment dedicated to the military with demonstrations of the life and times of the soldier throughout history, from Rome to today’s modern army. Living historians will present field tactics and demonstrations as rolling armor from World War II operates throughout the weekend.
Mark Renton, director of the Museum of American Armor said the event is a way for residents to learn how tank operators worked, while honoring the country’s heroes.
“I guess for most of us the invitation to the opening premier of the movie Fury has gotten lost in the mail. From its promotional trailer we know the film honors the tankers who served in Sherman tanks similar to the one we have on operational display at the museum,” he said.
“What better way to better appreciate what is depicted in that movie than to attend your own `khaki carpet’ ceremonies where we will roll vintage armor through fields reminiscent of France in 1944 and where Long Island families can connect with the heroes in their own families.”
Among those invited is Robert Colquhoun of Bethpage, a WWII veteran who served in the Pacific as a medic attached to the 82nd Field Hospital. He will likely be joined by Museum of American Armor volunteers Frank. X. O’Brien, Chris Suhr and Bob Gotard.
Admission for the day is $10 for adults, $7 for children (between 5-12) seniors and veterans (60-plus) while children under five years old are free. The museum is located off L.I. Expressway exit 48, one mile south at 1303 Round Swamp Rd. For information call 516-572-8400 and visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or www.museumofamericanarmor.org.
