LAWRENCE — Veterans, families and the general public are all invited to the annual Vietnam Experience, a tactical demonstration and encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 and October 5 at Fort Harrison State Park. A Vietnam Battle Demonstration is scheduled for Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. The park is located north of 56th St. and Post Rd. in Lawrence.
This event is a unique combination of military tactics and public demonstration of the Vietnam War that the United States fought in Vietnam from 1964 through 1973. The program will feature skirmishes between the opposing forces and an example of a typical U.S. Army field encampment in Vietnam in the late 1960’s.
The Vietnam Experience will feature Vietnam era weapons, uniforms, music and an open encampment for the public to visit. An indoor display will also be available inside the Museum of 20th Century Warfare. There will be an opportunity for veterans to talk about their experiences while they served in-country as well.
The participants are unpaid hobbyists who have joined reenacting organizations to get first-hand knowledge of what our Vietnam veterans experienced in the field. The re-enactors dress in authentic and/or reproduction uniforms that they have researched and acquired. They use Vietnam era equipment and weapons to drill, exercise and simulate combat situations.
There is no cost to attend the program, but the normal IDNR vehicle gate fee applies. For more information, please contact the visitor’s center at 317-591-0122.