We Do Because They Did

There are butterflies in my stomach as I step down into the amphitheater. I follow the line of girls that are in front of me and turn to face the crowd, smoothing out the creases on my crisp white uniform. I wait for my cue and step forward. I hear the speaker give a blip about navy nurses. A lump gets caught in my throat as I hear her mention that nurses were among the first casualties in the war.

What I get to do is quick and to the point. But what I get to be part of is truly powerful.

The butterflies that fill my stomach are not from nerves for what I am about to do. They are from excitement and who I have the privilege of representing at the at the Living History show for the National Museum of the Pacific War.

A group of passionate individuals volunteer to ensure that the sacrifice of so many is never forgotten.

The audience is treated to a show of explosives, guns and tanks, but even more importantly they are educated on all that went into winning a battle and eventually winning the war.

During the program it is said, "We do what we do because they did what they did" and it is such an honor to be part of that.

So, if you live in the Fredericksburg, Texas area or ever come to visit, make sure to stop by the Combat Zone.

The role and the sacrifice of women during WWII is explained.

Audience participation is always fun! The audience also gets to hear about and see equipment, weapons and tactics of the U.S. Army, Marines and the Imperial Japanese Army.

Then a battle is reenacted.

The flame thrower is everyone's favorite part!

Victory!

Such a pleasure to volunteer along side these dedicated women!

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Dillard, Lyndi Vaughn and Benjamin Anna