Art of Aging: American Revolution Reenactors
There are a group of seniors for whom the American Revolution is a way of life.
Paul Loane has been a Revolutionary War re-enactor since 1976.
He is president of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment.
"This was something I was only going to do for the bicentennial, and hang up my musket at the end of July 1976 and be done with it," said Loane.
But 44 years later, he is still involved and loving every minute of it.
"This has been a very rewarding hobby for me. I had no idea it would be as fascinating as it is," added Loane.
The group is called the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment.
Founded nearly 50 years ago, they focus on the period of the Revolutionary War from the battle of Valley Forge to Yorktown.
Reenactor Dave Moorhead said, "I'm dressed basically as a militiaman would have been dressed who had just joined the unit."
He plays a foot soldier who voluntarily joined the war and describes his role like this.
"Hours and hours of boredom with a few moments of sheer panic," said Moorhead.
Reenactor Wendy Lucas said, "There's a major rush when you're doing this. It's just a totally different experience than anything I've ever done before."
Judith Jados of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment said, "I love American history and there's so much to know aside from what you see in the history books."
Jados plays what's known as a camp follower.
She said, "The women would travel with the army and the children. On the march, children would hold onto their mother's apron strings. We carried everything with us and we took care of our men."
And while Americans celebrate the nations Battle for independence this weekend.
These folks relive that history all your long.
"The sacrifices that our people went through to establish this nation are just fascinating," said Moorhead.
Loane
adds, "It really is the birthplace of our nation. It really draws out what America is all about."
For more programs for seniors, visit our Art of Aging section.
