A look at the Kansas City Military Vehicle Preservation Society in honor of Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, I thought it would be nice to
look back at one of the more significant and poignant vehicle displays I have
ever been to.
The Military Vehicle Preservation Society has all kinds
of interesting old war machines that they display at various functions, and a
couple of years ago they brought out several fascinating, battle-tested vehicles
to Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial. And
the enthusiastic group of owners was available and willing to answer any
questions that people may have had.
The collection of Jeeps, transporters, weapons, and
motorcycles were just part of the attraction. The Preservation Society also
went out of their way to set-up realistic battle scenes. Yeah, they were
mannequins dressed up like soldiers, but it was a jarring reminder that these
weren't just your everyday, ordinary vehicles.
A majority of the vehicle owners were veterans
themselves, and many of them had an idea of the kind of punishment these olive
drab trucks and transporters went through. Some of these people were dressed up
in period-correct uniforms. One was overheard saying that his wool World War I
soldiers' uniform was awfully hot.
Among the vehicles was a very rare 1942 GPA Half-Ton
Amphibian. Based on an original jeep design, these Ford-built vehicles were made to
drive on land as well as the water. They weren't particularly good
boats, and they weren't great jeeps, but they were able to do both things
better than most. There were very few built in the first place, and their very
function and design meant that most rusted away. So being able to see one in
restored condition was an unusual opportunity.
There was also a trailer on which an original 1940s dog
tag press was in operation. For five dollars, you could give the press operator
your information, and they would knock out a real dog tag for you. It was fun
to watch, and quite popular with the kids.
This display was held on the Southeast lawn of the World
War I Museum at the Liberty Memorial. Construction began on the Memorial in
1921, and a perpetual flame has been burning in the top of the Memorial since
the 1926 dedication, in memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during
World War I. Incredibly, the Museum is the only one in America dedicated to the
history of World War I.
craig, inside the WW1 museum they have a pretty cool model t delivery truck, an ambulance, but i can't recall make, and for your motorcycle fans, a very early harley-davidson actually used in service in germany. they also have cannons. lots of cannons.
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