HUDSON – The American Heritage Museum will host a World War II Pacific Theater reenactment on the weekend of July 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Infantry representing Japanese and American forces will clash in this living history event. Camps will be set up with authentic gear and appearance. WWII aircraft will fly in the battle (weather permitting).
The Saipan campaign, a pivotal and fiercely-contested battle in World War II, unfolded from June 15 to July 9, 1944, as part of the larger Pacific island-hopping strategy employed by Allied forces. Located in the Mariana Islands, Saipan held strategic significance due to its airfields, enabling the United States to establish a crucial forward base for long-range B-29 bomber operations against the Japanese mainland.
The campaign witnessed intense fighting between American forces, primarily the Marines and Army divisions, and the entrenched Japanese defenders. The battle was marked by significant casualties on both sides, with a particularly tragic episode being the mass civilian suicides known as the “Banzai Cliff” incidents. Ultimately, the U.S. emerged victorious, gaining control of Saipan and paving the way for subsequent offensives in the Pacific.
Pacific war camps and aircraft will be set up and on display throughout the day. The battle reenactment starts around 1 p.m.
In addition to the living history camps and battle reenactment, there will be flamethrower demonstrations and Pacific war history lectures through the weekend.
Admission – $30 adults; $25 seniors/veterans; $20 children 3 to 16 years old.
Members, WWII/Korean War veterans and children under 3 are free; no ticket required.
Purchase tickets online or at entrance. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event by credit card or cash at the entry gate on the access road as well.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/wwii-pacific-re-enactment-saipan-campaign/.
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