Written and Photographed by Nick Chismar

For my 16th time being there, it never gets old. From meeting veterans, watching reenactments, and seeing warbirds take to the skies, it’s always the highlight of my summer. I just wish I had taken more film last year, but then again, June isn’t too far away now.

2 Part Series

- Part 1 - B&W WWII Weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania

- Part 2 - Color WWII Weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania

The War in Color

With Kodak Gold 200 now ready to go we all made our way to the far side of the event. There, US Marines were beginning their assault on a makeshift Mount Suribachi. As the assault moved forward a special group of Marines advanced, and seconds later an intense heat could be felt. The flamethrower demonstration was in full swing. With the camera prefocused and held above my head I snapped away and hoped for the best.

Overhead, a Japanese Kate and Zero flew over, replicas made for the 1970 movie Tora Tora Tora. In close pursuit were the Americans in their Wildcat and Corsair along with an Avenger to support the Marine Assault. Here was the only time the 50mm wasn’t enough, but next year I’ll be sure to pack a zoom.

A few minutes later and the Marines were clearing the area, and then came a ceremonious moment. “Photographers, have your cameras ready” rang out across the field as the Marines reenacted the flag raising over Iwo Jima. Funny enough I noticed the man next to me had a pretty nice Camera, a Minolta SrT-201. After talking to him it turns out he bought it new and just had it CLA’d at a local shop since he only lives a few minutes from me. Small world.

Portra 400

With my roll of 24 kicked, it was time to load up some Portra and head to the village to cool down. Away from the endless concession lines lies the Cafe Napoleon, tucked away in the village. Here, one can get a bottle of cold water or a soda of choice for a donation to the museum. It’s also a great place to meet some of the reenactors and people behind the scenes as it becomes a hangout by the end of the day.

Amidst the singing and conversations, I noticed two Luftwaffe reenactors chatting through the cafe window. Relying on the camera’s meter I quickly focused and took a shot. For a 45 year old camera it exposed near perfectly, even without ever being apart. I now know why so many consider Minolta’s CLC metering to be legendary.

Outside the Cafe were a bunch of American Troops which made for some neat photos as we made our way back to the flight line. The day was coming to a close and the last roll was near the end, but it was a wonderful time as it always is. For my 16th time being there, it never gets old. From meeting veterans, watching reenactments, and seeing warbirds take to the skies, it’s always the highlight of my summer. I just wish I had taken more film last year, but then again, June isn’t too far away now.

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