WWII encampment portrays a step back in Jeep history
Jeep lovers will be able to go back in time at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival at a World War II Encampment, made possible by Highmark.
The encampment will be available at the festival Saturday and Sunday at the Big Butler Fairgrounds.
Under the command of Pat Nicholson, the First Frontier Mechanized Cavalry presents World War II history through its recreated military camp so spectators can see what soldier life was like during that war.
About 30 members wear World War II period uniforms and show weapons, equipment and share history. The group has more than 20 original World War IIJeeps, and other military vehicles such as Dodge weapons carriers, command cars and a White Motor Company armored car.
The camp will feature World War II era vehicles to expand on the difference of the Jeeps over the years as the Jeep evolved from the 1950s to 1960s.
“We are historical World War II military vehicle collectors who share a desire to represent World War II history through the vehicles used in the 1940s” said Julius Lorentzson, vice-commander of the unit.“We were excited to be part of the festival last year, and we can't wait to come back and share our passion for history and military-era Jeeps.”Its membership spreads over the Pittsburgh vicinity, north central West Virginia, eastern Ohio and western Maryland.First Frontier is a member of the national Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and some members have membership at the international level, the Military Vehicle Trust.Members participate in local and regional activities as well as travel overseas with their vehicles to participate in events in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium.Some events members have attended are the 60th anniversary of D-Day and Tanks-in-Town which is hosted annually in Mons, Belgium.
