WWII re-enactors pull out of Fort Miles event

After nearly 15 years, a local re-enactors group will no longer participate in the annual spring Delaware Goes to War event at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park.

In a Jan. 27 social-media posting, Harbor Defenses of the Delaware Living History Association co-director Donald Hattier announced, because of operational and philosophical differences with state parks officials and the Fort Miles Historical Association, the group will no longer be part of the event. “Based on the response from their leader, I don't think they ever really wanted us there. We were a distraction to their preferred business model, which I am still not sure about,” Hattier wrote.

Hattier sent a three-page resignation letter Jan. 26 to the historical association, outlining the group's concerns and reasons for pulling out of the event. “It is our opinion that parks officials, and more severely FMHA, fail to understand that we are all volunteers who donate freely of money, time and very expensive gear to attend. Apparently, this level of dedication from a group of mere re-enactors doesn't register,” Hattier wrote.

Hattier said each spring, the group brings in about $1 million worth of World War II equipment and 100 or more re-enactors from various states.

Hattier said the decision to withdraw comes down to respect. “The weekend is more significant than just Battery 519 or the Missouri gun,” Hattier wrote in the resignation letter. “For what we bring, we deserve greater respect. That has not been forthcoming.”

FMHA President Gary Wray said the board of directors was dumbfounded by the announcement. He said Hattier attended a Jan. 26 board meeting to discuss plans for the Saturday, April 25 event.

“It was the first thing on the agenda, and we had a robust discussion,” Wray said. “I guess, when he left the meeting, he thought things didn't go his way. It was a shock to all of us. The re-enactors have become a wonderful part of the event, and we were looking forward to working with them again this year.”

Wray said Hattier had asked for funds to cover transportation costs for some the group's World War II-era vehicles, and the board agreed.

Mess hall operation

Wray said there was some contention over operation of the mess hall, which serves food to the public, re-enactors and volunteers. “He wanted his group to run it, but we told him our crew would run it because we have certification and a permit,” he said, referring to required food-handling regulations.

Wray said he appreciated the group's effort to work with the historical association to set up the mess hall.

Hattier said it was his group's idea to open an authentic World War II mess hall eight years ago, and they worked hard to make it a reality.

He said his group has the right to operate the mess hall. “They've decided they own the mess hall, and we can't have access,” he said.

The Harbor Defenses group ran it for three years with assistance from Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, he said.

Hattier said his son, as an Eagle Scout project, built tables for the mess hall based on 1941 plans. “They don't acknowledge that we did it first and had been operating it,” he said.

Hattier said the group also involved young volunteers to expose them to living history. He said by denying this opportunity, one of the most accessible venues to get volunteers has been removed.

Wray: Look at other events

Wray said the Fort Miles Museum is the highlight of the event. “We'll have a successful event,” he said. “The event started without re-enactors. The key is the museum and not the re-enactment. We are on a good path to do something different.”

He said the board will look at adding new events going forward, possibly including a period car show.

Wray said Hattier did a great job creating interest in the Harbor Defenses group and helped it grow every year.

The Harbor Defenses group also provided volunteers for the annual Fort Miles German submarine surrender re-enactment. Wray said the association will decide whether it will continue the event or sponsor a lecture instead.

Hattier wrote that he is not telling re-enactors who still want to participate not to attend. “We certainly would not fault anyone in the re-enactor community for enjoying their hobby,” he said.

In addition, he wrote the group is looking to moving to another venue.

Hattier said he has always wanted the event to be successful. “I'm sorry this happened. I love this event. Our group puts in about 4,000 volunteer hours over this weekend and frankly, I don't think the historical association respects any of it and looks at us as interlopers,” he said. “Yes, I'm bitter. I've had 12 years of my life tied up in this. It's no longer worth our group's efforts.”

Hattier said changes initiated by his group since 2013 have helped to increase attendance, including more vehicles, speakers, additional re-enactor units including women, and exhibits aimed at veterans other than those from World War II.

Hattier said he doesn't want to diminish the work the historical association has done at Fort Miles. “The site has indeed come alive, and they are doing incredible work,” he said, adding he's in awe of the work the volunteer Bunker Busters have done over the years.