Reenactors Preserve History of America

In the wake of the Civil War Re-enactor being accidentally shot in the leg, several questions were asked about what exactly re-enactors do. According to Wikipedia the definition of a historical reenactment is a type of role play in which participants attempt to recreate some aspects of a historical event or period.  After seeing several reenactments in person and also seeing them online such as the video below of the Battle of Olustee in Olustee, FL, I can tell you that these individuals should be commended for the service that they are doing for the American people in order to preserve the history of our country. No history book can give you the image and detail that is given at these events. It isn’t simply men on the battle field, many have women in period dress and even children in the period dress playing instruments. If you haven’t seen one as of yet, search for one in your local area.

Civil War Re-enactor Shot In the Leg

According to the Daily Press in VA, a Civil War re-enactor who was injured during a documentary film shoot over the weekend when he was struck in the shoulder by a shot apparently fired from the pistol of another re-enactor.  They were joined by some new re-enactors that were not aware of the safety procedures that are in place.  Our office speaks with re-enactment clubs on a daily basis. This is the first time in several years that any mention of an accident has come up.  I’m sure that it will be stated somewhere how dangerous re-enactments are now, however, dealing with these groups while writing their re-enactment insurance every day you find out that these are some of the most professional and safety conscious people you will come across. They are often current or former military or police (sometimes both) so they have been well trained. They are not there to simply “play with guns” they are there to preserve our country’s history.