Chronicle contributor Lizzie Jespersen attended open house at Austin’s local military base, Camp Mabry.
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Camp Mabry hosted its annual open house this past Saturday and Sunday, April 26 – 27. Among the events and demonstrations spread across the two days, was this Vietnam war memorial exhibit that is shown across the U.S each year. -
Camp Mabry hosted its annual open house this past Saturday and Sunday, April 26 – 27. Among the events and demonstrations spread across the two days, was this Vietnam war memorial exhibit that is shown across the U.S each year. Shown above, veteran Jene Robertson holds two pages worth of names from his company who were killed in combat. Each year, Roberston visits the wall of names when it comes to Texas to find those of his comrades and pay a moment of respect to their sacrifices. -
Jeff Heyt, Texas Military Force Museum Director, sets the scene for audiences members during the Camp Mabry Open House’s World War II reenactment. “Any veteran will tell you that although we call them veterans, the real veterans are those in died in war,” Heyt said. -
At the annual Camp Mabry Open House this past weekend, a crowd of attendees look on as participants set up for the World War II reenactment of the Battle of Salerno. -
At the annual Camp Mabry Open House this past weekend, a crowd of attendees look on as participants set up for the World War II reenactment. Before the reenactment begins, participants give the opportunity for attendees to donate to the multi-thousand dollar event fund. These thousands of dollars were used to secure historically accurate weapons, as well and land and air vehicles, for the reenactment. -
Blanks are fired at the scene of battle at the World War II reenactment that took place at this past weekend’s Camp Mabry Open House. -
Soldiers strategically crouch in hiding at the scene of battle at the World War II reenactment that took place at this past weekend’s Camp Mabry Open House. -
A medical team carries an “injured” comrade off the field of battle on a stretcher at the World War II reenactment that took place at this past weekend’s Camp Mabry Open House. -
Blanks are fired from historically-accurate military vehicles during the World War II reenactment that took place at this past weekend’s Camp Mabry Open House. -
The World War II battle reenactment at the Camp Mabry Open House ends when a German soldier is escorted off the battle field, his arms above his head in surrender. -
This participant in Camp Mabry’s World War II battle reenactment leaves the field after the scene concludes. She is one of the few female actors in the scene. -
Participants in Camp Mabry’s World War II battle reenactment line up for applause after the battle scene concludes. -
Participants in Camp Mabry’s World War II battle reenactment line up for applause after the battle scene concludes. -
Participants in Camp Mabry’s World War II battle reenactment hold their hats to their chests in a gesture of respect and honor for fallen veterans. -
An audience member at Camp Mabry’s World War II battle reenactment raises his hand when asked whether their are any veterans in the audience. -
Following the conclusion of the Camp Mabry’s World War II reenactment of the Battle of Salerno, audience members flood the field to look for discarded ammunition. -
Following the conclusion of the Camp Mabry’s World War II reenactment of the Battle of Salerno, a child poses with his toy gun. -
At the annual Camp Mabry Open House this past weekend, activities and attractions included fun for the family, including a putting zoo and this miniature train. -
At the annual Camp Mabry Open House this past weekend, attendees climb inside a Chinook helicopter to examine the body and to sit in the cockpit. -
Chief Warrant Office Skinner poses at the front of the Chinook helicopter, where he helps children into the cockpit. -
A mother and son pose in the cockpit of a Chinook helicopter at the Camp Mabry Open House this past weekend. -
At the annual Camp Mabry Open House this past weekend, helicopters landed to allow children and their families to explore their interiors.