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Post by daveww2 on May 1, 2010 14:10:07 GMT -5
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Post by velodya on May 1, 2010 17:02:10 GMT -5
When reading this, it doesn't say they were reenactors. It seems like they were actually nazis.
Then there's also the matter of discretion. This was the nightlife of a major city. Thats a different ball game. But I think its certainly fair to call for guidelines in such matters. I'd suggest the most important as always travel with other people, preferably people with other impressions. If an American, a Russian, and a German walk into a bar people will probably get that its WW2.
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Post by daveww2 on May 1, 2010 18:35:04 GMT -5
Yeah I made the same observation -- didn't say they were Reenacotrs. But I was informed by a person who knows the parties involved, the event and the unit they were in that they were Reenactors. Apparently they were from a known Reenactor unit. They left an event site and went into town for some fun. A person on another forum says he knows who they are and what unit they were in and what event they left. Thank God the paper didn't identifiy them as Reenactors -- could you imagine the fecal storm? Apparently the reporter is Pro-Reenactor and didn't want to muddy the waters for Reenactors -- sheeew....  Not to smart.  These three dudes (if they haven't by now) need some one to give them a come to Jesus moment. I hopping escaping with their lives, helped them learn a very tough lesson.  As a personal rule I have stopped wearing even my GI Dress uniform off site. Even when on a Military Base and frequenting a O, NCO or Community club I've stopped wearing my Uniform. People cloths only. It just helps avoid mis-understandings. I think it's a good rule for all impressions (my personal opinion) to not wear their uniforms off site -- unless your driving to or from your home or hotel. DaaHVeeD When reading this, it doesn't say they were reenactors. It seems like they were actually nazis. Then there's also the matter of discretion. This was the nightlife of a major city. Thats a different ball game. But I think its certainly fair to call for guidelines in such matters. I'd suggest the most important as always travel with other people, preferably people with other impressions. If an American, a Russian, and a German walk into a bar people will probably get that its WW2. |
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Post by velodya on May 1, 2010 22:43:46 GMT -5
Well, this makes me feel better about switching to a Partisan impression! Now my clothes will be acceptable!  Well seriously, thank God for that reporter. He saved us all a black eye. I hope these guys' unit sets them straight, but any unit that would let in these types doesn't seem very... savory. |
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Post by horsesoldier176 on May 2, 2010 18:26:00 GMT -5
Common Sense should be the rule of the day.
You should not go into a bar in your re-enactor uniform, PERIOD, unless it is part of a specific event. As an example, the Community Club at FIG hosts the banquet at the end of the Battle of the Bulge event, and everyone goes in uniform. This is planned, so it is not a problem.
However, to just go off to a bar, is looking for trouble.
I have, and probably will in the future stop in a 7-11, or sub shop on my way to, or from an event, but I don't walk in carrying my PPSh-41, or rifle, or something. I use common sense.
Boridin
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Post by velodya on May 2, 2010 19:52:20 GMT -5
Although the reactions to the PPSh might be very interesting...
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Post by crazydima on May 3, 2010 12:11:15 GMT -5
Tovarischi,
Well as with many things you will always find extremes. The old axiom "truth is stranger than fiction" can and does raise its ugly head in re-enacting as well.
In most cases it comes down to "If you are looking for trouble then you will find trouble."
Lets not forget the "re-enactor" who was gunned down by police when he came out of his house with a Mauser in his hands and refused to put it down.
Can we say suicide by cop?
However, should such incidents create fear and unrest in the re-enacting ranks? I think not. Always be aware of your surroundings and you should do just fine.
I and many of my comrades in the 416th have gone into many places outside of a re-enactments in our uniforms and thus far it has been a treasure trove of fun experiences.
So in the end I am not too worried.
Sincerely,
Dima
("paranoia will destroy ya")
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Post by dixieflyer on May 3, 2010 20:20:42 GMT -5
Actually, my son and I went into Walmart wearing our RKKA uniforms in order to stock up on pogey bait, soft drinks, etc. It, as Dima said, was a treasure trove of fun:
- the father ahead of us holding his son who asked us what we were doing and what we were about. My son explained it, and he was impressed, and the little tike absolutely fascinated.
- the lady who asked what branch of the military we were in, and I told her we were Latvian Coast Guard on an exchange program with the USCG, and that we were going on exercises at Lake Barkley State Park.
- the retired GI who accosted my son in the parking lot because he knew what we were wearing, but wanted to know why. When we told him, he got excited and wanted to come up to JB that weekend.
Could it have gone bad? Perhaps, but in 99% of the case we have worn our RKKA uniform on the way to an event, we have had nothing but positive reactions, and used it as a "teachable moment" to educate others about WWII reenacting.
Just my two kopecks,
Yuri S.
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Post by crazydima on May 4, 2010 9:29:29 GMT -5
- the lady who asked what branch of the military we were in, and I told her we were Latvian Coast Guard on an exchange program with the USCG, and that we were going on exercises at Lake Barkley State Park. OMG!!!!!!! That is so darn hilarious!!!! I need to remember that one! Sincerely, Dima |
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Post by horsesoldier176 on May 4, 2010 11:22:17 GMT -5
Most people react positively, if you approach the situation positively.
Going into a bar, is not one of those situations.
Boridin
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Post by dixieflyer on May 4, 2010 19:02:23 GMT -5
Ummm, no. However, going to a bar as a GI could be ok. Just ask Dima!
Warren
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Post by squirrely on May 13, 2010 22:51:22 GMT -5
That's freaking awesome...
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Post by horsesoldier176 on May 14, 2010 14:40:08 GMT -5
That's freaking awesome... Welcome to the forum Squirrely! Boridin |
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Post by vsahdneek on May 19, 2010 12:20:55 GMT -5
The 3 guys were from the 9th SS, they were reenactors just out looking for a good time who went to the wrong bar without prior approval.
At the Odessa event, we check with the local restaurants and bars to see who is okay with it and who is not and then advise the reenactors accordingly. Its a small town and they are okay with it and are happy for the business. Usually a whole unit or two goes and we fill the bar or restaurant and have 'strength in numbers', behave ourselves and spend alot of money on food and drinks and then leave peaceably and the local rednecks are okay with that. Everyone gets along reguardless of the uniform. But we check it out with the owners first, we don't just go into a place unannouced or uninvited.
Vsahdneek
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Post by dixieflyer on May 19, 2010 19:12:49 GMT -5
That is a very wise and prudent policy comrade! I'm sure it has worked well for PR for the event as well. Kudos to you and the rest!
Yuri S.
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These three dudes (if they haven't by now) need some one to give them a come to Jesus moment. I hopping escaping with their lives, helped them learn a very tough lesson. 
