Reenacting D-Day: “Czech hedgehogs,” which are scattered on the beach, were contraptions made of steel beams designed to trap tanks and trucks. They also served to deter ground units. Wayne Heim; Thomas Pajot/iStock/Getty Images
Each summer, the largest annual D-Day reenactment in the world takes place on the shores of Lake Erie in Conneaut, Ohio. The site bears a considerable resemblance to Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, from its sloping bluffs to the 250-yard-long stretch of sand.
It started in 1999, when a small group of people came together to recreate the June 6, 1944, Normandy landing. Over the years, the event grew in scope and size; it now draws over 1,500 reenactors every year, while remaining completely donation-driven.
Left: Reenactors on a Higgins boat, off the shores of Lake Erie. Higgins boats were designed by Andrew Higgins to navigate shallow waters. Allied commander and President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared them crucial in the Allied Forces’ victory on the Western Front. Measuring 36 feet long by 11 feet wide, each boat was powered by a 225-horsepower diesel engine. Right: The U.S. Air Force also played an important role with bombers that hammered enemy forces. Wayne Heim, U.S. Air Force
A map of Allied invasion plans and German positions in Normandy. Public Domain
The guidelines to protect authenticity are strict. Reenactors go to great lengths to research and procure outfits and camp equipment. To the great delight of curious visitors making their way through the Allied and Axis encampments, these living historians deliver a remarkable depth of knowledge.
The big event is without question the beach landing as Allied troops arrive via Higgins boats and make their way onto the beach under German fire, while military aircraft provide cover overhead.
Reenactors hail from all across North America. The encampment area shows daily life when soldiers are not in combat. Also on display are equipment used to relay information to the front lines. Samira Bouaou for American Essence
Soldiers storm the embankment above the beach. Samira Bouaou for American Essence
Reenactors remain strictly “in character” during battle events. Samira Bouaou for American Essence
Clockwise from top left: Soldiers prepare for battle; a trio of ladies belts out songs from a bygone era; the reenactment event concludes with a dance, with a real-life World War II veteran on the dance floor; full vintage garb is de rigueur. Samira Bouaou for American Essence
Nurses attend to a wounded soldier. Samira Bouaou for American Essence
This year, on August 15–17, D-Day Conneaut will mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing. There were 119,550 U.S. World War II veterans still alive in 2023—out of the 16.4 million who served in the war. D-Day Conneaut honors the Greatest Generation and reminds us of the sacrifices it took to preserve freedom.
Audiences watch the battlefield reenactment intently. Samira Bouaou for American Essence
The reenactment includes airborne action. Samira Bouaou for American Essence
This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.
