Soldiers with 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division enjoy Christmas care packages sent from home, December 1944...The 30th Infantry Division (nicknamed Old Hickory in WWI) landed at Omaha Beach on Jun. 10, 1944, and entered combat five days later. The division took part in every major campaign in the Europe's western front: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes – Alsace and Central Europe. (Photo courtesy of 30th Infantry Division Association) Lt. Col. Matthew Devivo
If you’ve ever wondered what it must have been like to try to celebrate the holidays during World War I or World War II, photographs alone may not do it justice. A living museum of such traditions is likely to make far more of an impact. This holiday season, those in and around the Horsham and Ambler areas are in luck.
The Military Living History Association (MLHA) is a nonprofit group aimed at keeping history alive with enthusiasts whose goal is to educate the public on and preserve the history of the first and second World Wars. And, on Saturday Nov. 23, the organization will host A Soldier’s Christmas and Military Flea Market.
Slated for the Horsham Community Center, located at 1025 Horsham Road, in Ambler, this unique event is to begin at 11 a.m. The living history buffs will present the holidays, as it was celebrated by troops during different war eras.
At the same time, the organization will also be collecting present-day items for today’s military both abroad and at home. Once you have seen the reality of a holiday season while at war, the impact is likely going to last.
“These men and women keep us safe, so please be kind,” advertised the MLHA.
During the special event, there will be visits by World War II Veterans, as well as the “big man himself,” Santa! Guests are asked to bring an item to donate for current service men and women. Some of the items often requested include:
All donated items should be new and be unscented. The event is free to attend for those of all ages.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the special event, open to those of all ages, visit the group’s Facebook event page here.
