Dragoon Communications Officer Doug Beir Butler and Andy Bodenheimer were the speakers who presented information on War Between the States reenactors. Between the two of them, they have over fifty years experience doing reenactments and Andy has participated in events from Gettysburg to Texas. Beir donned a Union infantrymen's uniform while Andy depicted a Confederate dismounted cavalry Captain. All elements of the uniforms was discussed including the wool coats, gloves, shoes and accessories like holsters. Beir showed a handmade haversack made of tapestry material and a Confederate soldier's kepi. They showed examples of Enfield and Springfield rifles and illustrated the difference between the shorter cavalry rifle and those like sniper rifles of the infantrymen. The cavalrymen also carried swords and revolvers like the Remington and Griswold some which utilized quick change cylinders for reloading. Andy emphasized the need for more reenactors and the importance of living histories and reenactments as they bring history to life for young school aged children as well as adults, very important today as American society struggles against an ignorance of American history and an appreciation of Southern heritage. Reenactors can include those of soldiers, civilians and, politicians, men, women and children. Government grants are available to help sponsor reenactments but SCV camps are needed to organize and plan these important events.
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