History comes to life with 'A Walk in Their Boots' event

"A Walk in Their Boots" made its annual return to Tipton-Haynes Historic Site on Friday morning, bringing memorabilia and recreated items from wars throughout the history of the U.S. Returning for its 15th year, "A Walk in Their Boots", put together by the nonprofit A Walk in Their Boots, brings together different reenactors to preserve parts of U.S. history and remember the service of veterans for the wars they fought in. Thomas Miller, president of A Walk in Their Boots, said the event is meant to give each spectator a visual, hands-on display of what life was like for the people who fought during the assortment of wars. "It's an event where you can sum up and see what it's like to take a walk in their boots," Miller said. Miller said the event is an annual timeline reenactment of the U.S. military from the Revolutionary War to present day. He added hosting A Walk in Their Boots during the first weekend in November is also to pay homage to Veterans Day, giving a chance to recognize veterans for their service and share a piece of their lives with the people around them. "It provides veterans a safe area for an outlet," Miller said. "Coming here, it is a place where we openly say it is for everyone. Families can come, veterans can come – many times we tell families, not necessarily, 'Hey veterans, bring your families,' [but instead], 'Families, bring your veterans.'" In addition to honoring military service members, Miller said A Walk in Their Boots provides an opportunity for kids and adults alike to get a hands-on experience of what wartimes were like in the past, from the different vehicles of each war to the weapons and clothes used by the soldiers. The experience, he added, helps encourage those interested in history to get involved in participating. "For us here at A Walk in Their Boots, we have here about three or four younger reenactors who are coming into the hobby after coming and visiting us as spectators," Miller said. "They come out and go, 'I find this so fascinating, I want to join you all.' It's to a point where we have a group, basically our junior reenactors…They just want to get involved in appreciation and love for history." Overall, Miller said he hopes the lasting impression of the A Walk in Their Boots event leaves each person who participates with a lasting appreciation of history. "[I hope] they have a general appreciation, for them to know that it was real, it mattered, it affected those that experienced the stuff directly and [are] permanently impacted in ways not just mentally, but in many cases physically as well," he said. "Even if they leave here and can't remember a single actual fact we told them…as long as they have that curiosity…that's what we hope to spread for the general public – just an appreciation of history." A Walk in Their Boots began on Friday and will be open again to the public at Tipton-Haynes Historic Site on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A veteran's recognition ceremony will be held on Saturday, as well as a variety of war reenactments throughout the day. Those interested in more information can visit www.tipton-haynes.org.