Post by Wolfgang on May 30, 2011 18:11:06 GMT -8
Usually I attend the Memorial Day dressed as WW1 Doughboy, but this time Jeff Sharp put out a call for anyone who could wear an impression of an Armenian soldier, since the Consul General of Armenia was scheduled to attend. Not knowing what they wore,I searched the internet and found a picture of an Armenian volunteer soldier. I figured I could put together a not-too-farby impression, and reported to Jeff I was willing. I assembled the impression out of a ACW sack coat, havelock and gaiters, a pair of Russian pants from Western costume, borrowed an 1888 Mauser and an 1877 Reichs revolver, for both I already having ammo pouches and a bayonet. The bandoleers were a problem, as I had nothing similar,but figured my movie prop bandito bandoleers would pass. Not knowing what he used for a canteen and bread bag, I simply used my German. One thing I couldn't do was grow a mustache in four days. Thus I reported in at the ceremony. Trouble was, the Consul General of Armenia never showed, and no one else came in a foreign uniform, and I was left the only foreign soldier with no reason to be there and people asking if I was a Spanish-American war soldier. However, I turned it into a teaching experience, and to those who asked what I was wearing, I explained about the many fronts of WW1, that it wasn't just the Western front, Nor is the Great War Historical Society just about the Western Front, but to study all aspects of the First World War. So I have upheld the commitment to education in the Great War Historical Society-- unless you are completely offended by the farby impression I put together. This Memorial Day, let us remember all who served their county with honor.
