Reenactment, French & Indian War Battle ... 1758
October 13, 2007
The leaves of a colored variety were still working on a self-made painting, but not quite ready yet in the Ligonier valley today. My eyes scanned the hills as I approached Ligonier Pennsylvania, which is home to Ligonier days, an annual event that brings out most of the folks in this small community at the base of the Laurel Highland Mountains. The town is approximately 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, and 8 miles east of Latrobe Pennsylvania.
The main event, and the one with historical significance is the reenactment of the French and Indian War battle of 1758 that took place at Fort Ligonier. The British troops were inside the fort, as the Indians and French Troops stormed the fort, coming over the wall when the firing began. It was very interesting to be right in the middle of volley after volley of muskets being fired in my direction—save the lead balls ripping through my flesh as it did to so many in that battle. History learned through example is a wonderful experience that burns an indelible image into the mind.
As I approached the town circle on foot, the sounds of music and life guided my way there from the fort. Soon, I saw kids holding ice cream running by, old men sittin’ a bench in a slower paced version of the day, and women with stylish hats that were old in accurate period style, but were trendy in 1758. A slight breeze lifted Old Glory from stagnation to a flying American symbol over the town center gazebo that sent chills down my spine … not unlike the chills by the sight of the flag finding the wind, which was observed by the seers from the sulfur covered beaches of Iwo Jima, or Old Glory flying over Ground Zero.
The band was playing swing music in the town center gazebo, as the older took to hand-to-hand with the younger to show them the way as they danced in the center of the park. A couple in love sat in the grass sharing a slice of raspberry pie and ice cream, other couples were just holding hands listening to the music on this sunny but cool afternoon. Old men manned the city benches with one or two slipping out of a small glass bottle filled with an unknown beverage—for medicinal purposes only. These senior statesmen of the community were taking the young to school whether they knew it or not. The old man and the boy sat under a huge tree, with the boy listening to how to approach the young ladies as a gentleman. I smiled and walked on.
All cultures were represented in the various food vendor wagons: pulled pork, with a touch of sauce; gyros in chicken or beef, as a young kid counted his money; curly fries, and deep fried Oreo Cookies topped the list for the country boys; Perogies hit the spot for the indigenous Western Pennsylvanian that attended, at least those born in Pittsburgh; Hot sausage is a crossover food for various groups, be they Pennsylvanians or New Yorkers; last but not least, the venerable Pizza is always greeted with open hearts and mouths by all.
The good times were rolling. When I saw military men in uniform walking about, I thought about what he was thinking, or feeling; was he just back home from over there and experiencing Americana at its best, or was he about to leave all he knew to go over there. I saluted a few with wishes for the best, and truly hoped that next year we would meet once again…
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Odd news
A Western Pennsylvania soldier who was among the remains of nine missing U.S. airmen who has been missing for over 60 years was discovered in a gravesite near the town they went down near; Staff Sgt. Robert J. Flood of Neelyton Pa. flew for the 492nd Bomber group, which flew 64 combat missions over Germany in B-24 Liberators. This crew always returned from missions in rough physical condition, thereby earning their nickname, the “Hard Luck” crew. They flew out of North Pickenham England, home of the Blue Lion Pub, which was the group off duty hour’s hangout. A 48 star American flag that was given to the pub by the group still flies on the pub wall as seen below.
They went down over Germany during a mission, and were found by local German citizens who had learned of their crash site recently. Sgt. Flood will be buried with full honors in Arlington Cemetery.
48 Star flag presented to the Blue Lion Pub still flies
Woman in Period Hat
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
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