Rohrbach-lès-Bitche. A major historical reenactment expected at Fort Casso on June 21 and 22
Many vintage vehicles will be on display at Fort Casso. Photo by Florence Varoqui
More than 100 reenactors in period costume and military vehicles are expected on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 at Fort Casso in Rohrbach-lès-Bitche for a major historical reenactment organized by the fort's association to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War . The event, which will feature several immersive shows, will pay tribute to the fort's history and highlight Franco-German friendship.
French, American, German and British camps, vehicle parades, fireworks displays, historical events: the program promises to be packed. One of the highlights of the weekend will be the show "Across Time ," a staged reconstruction lasting about an hour retracing the history of the fort and the region, from June 1940 to the Liberation. This show, enhanced by special effects created by a Parisian gunsmith, will be presented on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
More than 100 reenactors in period costume and military vehicles are expected at Fort Casso. Photo by Florence Varoqui
For Dylan Schoepp, a member of the association, this "Living Memories" event allows us to touch history, to learn about it in a different way than in books. The duty of remembrance , the common thread of this event, also involves the reconstruction of scenes from the soldiers' lives, through uniforms, gestures and emblematic vehicles.
From German motorcycles to armored tanks, half-tracks, and Jeeps, visitors will be able to get up close to a wide collection of vintage vehicles. The camps will be set up above the blocks, primarily themed around June 1944. Among the groups present, the Grenadiere und Graue Mäuse, from Niederbronn-les-Bains, will represent the Wehrmacht.
Admission is €8 for ages 14 and up (free for younger children). Guided tours of the fort, costing €4 for ages 6 and up, must be booked on site – please note, places are limited. Warm clothing (13°C inside the fort) and sturdy shoes are recommended. Light refreshments will be available, as well as pizzas-flammes served at the table by the young firefighters. More information: www.fortcasso-maginot.com
Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace
