Delaware Defense Day April 23 at Fort Miles

You can take a step back in time during Delaware Defense Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 23, at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park.

The highlight of the event is the World War II encampment set up by the Harbor Defenders of the Delaware Living History Association complete with dozens of re-enactors and period vehicles, equipment, displays and arms. A motor pool will be set up with World War II-era vehicles.

Re-enactors from the Women's Army Corp and Civil Air Patrol are also expected to attend. Music is an important part of the event, with performances by the Rehoboth Concert Band.

A special tribute to Gary Wray is planned. Wray, who passed away Feb. 3 is one of the founders of the Fort Miles Historical Association and the inspiration behind many of the initiatives, including the World War II museum.

The signature event is a re-enactment of the surrender of German U-858. The submarine was the first of five to surrender to U.S. military in May 1945 at the end of World War II. The crew was offloaded in Delaware Bay and taken to Fort Miles. The submarine was docked at the Delaware Breakwater to allow its torpedoes to be disarmed. It eventually was towed to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

The day also includes two black-powder 3-inch gun firing demonstrations as well as small-arms firing demonstrations.

Several organizations, including Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Air Mobility Command Museum and Delaware State Police Museum will have displays.

Self-guided tours of the Fort Miles Museum in Battery 519 will be available for $5. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and put on demonstrations.

Also in the museum, the Oil Still Bleeds: Delaware's Forgotten Heroes of Pearl Harbor exhibit will be open. The exhibit features an artifact from the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

For more information, go to fortmilesha.org/happenings-april-2022.