When History Repeats Itself

It has been said that those who don't remember history are doomed to repeat it. But what about those who love history so much that they're willing to repeat it over and over, even though the outcome is the same every time?

For the past 27 years, the colonists and the British have been facing off in a Revolutionary War reenactment at the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site in Alexandria as part of this weekend's city-sponsored Washington's Birthday celebration. And Sunday will be no exception.

George Washington's birthday anniversary may be a time for car sales, school vacation and retail discounts, but for the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line, it means it's time to suit up and do battle. The all-volunteer group, clothed in authentic military and period costumes, will meet on the field Sunday to portray Revolutionary War soldiers and their military camp. The living history event includes cannon fire, rifle demonstrations, line drills and formations as the units prepare for war.

Carl Gnam of Reston is the organizer of the reenactment units and commander of the First Virginia Regiment. A longtime history buff who became interested in the Revolutionary War during the bicentennial, Gnam compares reenactment to a play performance. "We choreograph it, time it, and most importantly, we try to keep it as authentic as possible."

Sunday's demonstration will include a full 18th-century military camp with tents for dining, officers and housing arms. Women in Colonial garb will demonstrate cooking in Washington's army. More than a ton of gear will be used, and participants will enact small scenes of camp life, including uniform sewing, gear repair and gaming. Medical care of the period will also be featured.

Reenactors strive for authenticity, Gnam says. Many of the clothes and uniforms are made with fabric from England, and some are sewn by the reenactors themselves, adhering to historical guidelines. In addition, the weapons are either antiques or reproductions. A great deal of historical research is involved. The units at the event can demonstrate almost all of the arms used in the Revolutionary War -- smoothbore muskets and the more accurate, slower-loading long rifle. Gnam is quick to point out that there will be no live firearms used in the demonstrations; all the guns will fire blanks, as safety is an overriding concern.

Are there any areas where the reenactors are a bit more lax?

"Well, some of my best friends are British," Gnam says, referring to reenactors portraying enemy soldiers. "After all, where would we be without the bad guys?" As for historical accuracy, those attending on Sunday may notice that some of the British units are uniformed differently. Those are the Hessians, Gnam explains, the German soldiers who fought with the British during the Revolutionary War. Those who listen closely will be able to hear the Hessian units give battle commands in German.

"The Hessians are an interesting and lesser-known fact of the war," says Gnam, who stresses that there are many lessons to be learned from studying history. "We forget how our soldiers persevered over the long haul, for eight long years, even when things looked pretty grim and they had no idea how it would all turn out."

Is there any chance the British could get lucky Sunday and things turn out differently? "Not this year," Gnam says. "Not any year."

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT Sunday 10 to 3. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria. Cannon demonstration, morning formation and inspection begin at 10, followed by drills, afternoon formation and ceremony. Battle is at 2. Free. 703-838-4848.http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/fortward.

To learn more about the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line, visithttp://www.1va.org.