D-Day at the Durham Museum

Matt (29th Division), Jeff (Armored), Will (29th Division), Casey (101st Airborne) and Eric (2nd Rangers) at the Durham Museum train depot.

The men of the 2nd I.D. Living History Association gathered at Omaha's famous Durham Museum on Sunday, June 8. Our purpose for the day was to provide an interpretive display honoring the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.  The highlight of the day was seeing Jeff's replica steel hedgehogs for the first time.  The two hedgehogs, hand-built by Jeff out of wood, were extremely impressive and really set the stage for our display.  As a group we were able to represent the 2nd Infantry Division, the 29th Infantry Division, the 101st Airborne Division, Armored Divisions and the 2nd Ranger Battalion.  It was a great chance to interact with the public, to get out ALL of our D-Day gear, and to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on June 6, 1944.

The Durham people made two of these really nice signs for our exhibit.  We really wanted to take one home.

This is some of my Ranger equipment including a Life Preserver Belt and an Assault Jacket.  Note the Ranger diamond on the back of my helmet.

Some of my Airborne equipment on display including an M1A1 Carbine, a Hawkins Mine and a B-3 "Mae West" Life Preserver.

Here are a few personal effects like a Housewife Sewing Kit, a Shelter Half and pins, and some late-war style K-Ration boxes.

Matt looks like he's getting along great with a Navy pal of his at the train station.  The Durham has some really cool lifesized statues on display.

Not to be outdone by the infantry, I got in on the action as well.

Jeff is wearing HBT Coveralls, a Tanker Helmet and a Throat Microphone as part of his Armored Impression.

Casey stands loaded down with gear as a member of the 502nd Parachute Infantry.  Looks like he needs a few more grenades!

Here I am in my 2nd Ranger uniform with an M7 Assault Gas Mask Bag and my M1 Rifle in a plastic Invasion Bag.  Rangers lead the way!

There's ole' Will Green, that tough-as-nails First Sergeant, screaming at his men again!

The caption is pretty simple here folks, "Get off the beach!!!"