WILLIAMSBURG — Ever try on medieval armor, explore the mess tents of the Coldstream Guards in Egypt in 1882, or wonder about life in the trenches for a Doughboy in World War I?
Centuries of military history — all in one weekend — will be on display at Jamestown Settlement’s Military Through the Ages event on March 16 and 17.
The event is marking its 40th anniversary as ancient warriors, knights, sailors and soldiers through time descend on museum grounds to present what Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation calls one of the most unique chronological displays of military history. This year will feature hundreds of re-enactors depicting armed forces from 500 B.C.E. to modern-day soldiers with the Virginia Army National Guard.
In honor of its anniversary, the two-day event will present a variety of military musical performances spanning the Revolutionary War, World War I and II eras to present day, as well as special demonstrations of military equipment used in the air, on land and at sea.
Timeline from 500 B.C.E. to the Present Day
More than 40 re-enactment units will portray soldiers and military encounters across the globe from Greek and Roman times, the medieval period, the Hundred Years’ War, the War of the Roses, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War. Re-enactors depicting World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War, and Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada will take visitors through the 20th century. The National Museum of the Marine Corps, the Virginia Army National Guard 111th Field Artillery and Virginia Defense Force will represent the present day.
View the full list of re-enactment units scheduled to participate in this year’s event at jyfmuseums.org/mta-units.
Helicopter Flyover, Artillery Firings & Military Pass-in-Review
On Saturday, comparative artillery-firing demonstrations at noon will showcase weapons ranging from a 17th-century swivel gun to a modern-day howitzer.
On Sunday, the Virginia Army National Guard is scheduled to present a narrated flyover of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at noon along the riverfront area, followed by artillery firing.
A military pass-in-review at 3 p.m. Sunday features a narrated procession of re-enactment units with a salute to VANG Maj. Gen. James Ring, the adjutant general of Virginia.
Military Musical Performances
Three musical groups are scheduled to perform throughout the weekend event.
The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, performing on Saturday, is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces and part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
The AEF Headquarters Band is a 12-piece brass band representing the one formed at the American Expeditionary Forces Headquarters in Chaumont, France in 1918 at the request of Gen. John Joseph Pershing.
The 29th Infantry Division Band from the Virginia Army National Guard, known as “The Governor’s Own,” is comprised of approximately 40 enlisted soldiers and a chief warrant officer. The band will be divided into three ensembles during the event — the Concert Band, Fife and Drum and Normandy Winds.
Wall of Gratitude
A Wall of Gratitude, located in the Robert V. Hatcher Jr. Rotunda, will celebrate the love and support of military families, inviting visitors to create a personalized star for veterans or active-duty members of all branches of the United States armed forces and reserves.
Mobile Vet Center
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will display its Mobile Vet Center near the museum’s main entrance during the two-day event. An “office on wheels,” the Mobile Vet provides readjustment counseling, information and resources to veterans for veterans, service members and their families.
For more information, call 757-253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org/military-
