Sir,
Congratulations on a truly memorable event this weekend, Thank You!
It was very well organized and, it is my sincere hope that those unfortunate individuals that were unable to attend this event will be able to do so in the future. As I talked to both the public and my fellow participants, I heard nothing but praise. The 6th US Cavalry, M Troop is eagerly looking forward to attending the next event and I encourage anyone who loves this wonderful country of ours and has a love of history to attend also. There is a special bond that those of Us with a love of history share, what better way to celebrate and commemorate it than to gather, share, and learn more about it together.
My hat is off to You and Your staff Scott, You have My sincere gratitude and thanks.
Respectfully,
Sgt. John Rogers
M Troop, 6th US Cavalry

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Greetings!

Please let me add my voice to that of the many participants who have been praising the recent event. Our group greatly appreciated your magnificent organization, leadership, and historical presentations. We enjoyed the weekend immensely and look forward to next year.

Very sincerely,

Dr. Robert Hunter (Maj.), 6th U.S. Cavalry Memorial Regiment

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Hi Scott (and Lisa and girls)!

Hope you are recovering! Leanne and I are preparing to unload the trailer and store everything in preparation for Picacho. However, I just wanted to pass along a few well-deserved compliments. We thought that the event was a resounding success! We had large, enthusiastic audiences, a prime spot with lots of visibility, and beautiful weather on top of everything else. We witnessed one fellow griping about the registration fee at the gate - obviously this fellow doesn't get out much. Leanne and I considered it money well-spent. Don't let ANYONE beat you up over charging such a fee. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! We were happy with what we got. And most events worth anything charge a registration fee. You promised an event that was going to be over and above the ordinary, and you delivered. A great foundation was set. Everyone I talked to was impressed, and I look for an even better event next year. Count on our support. If there is anything we can do to help out, please let us know.

I spoke with a reenactor Sunday who did not participate in the event but came as a spectator. This person's reason for not participating was a suspicion that perhaps the event would turn out to be a lot of empty promises as so often turns out to be the case. I assured this person that any such suspicions concerning you or your word are completely unfounded. You are to be completely trusted. I have not met many people that I consider to be as forthright and upstanding as I do you. I admire you greatly.

Your friend,

Dandy Jim

Spencer & Jackson's Theatrical Troupe

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Hail Lord Scott!

Our compliments on an excellent event... Not only did we enjoy the collective visuals but we also agree that creating such splendor for a first time event was an accomplishment worthy of a world class producer....We have done large "shows" before all over this country and we are used to being stared at and asked stupid questions but here the quality of the public was a pleasure and the children eager to learn...This makes the work of bringing props and canvas all worthwhile for weekend only events...

Reenactors are a motley bunch and immersed in their own particular time or world and as such, artists of any medium are hard to control let alone organize leaving egos intact...There was, in your event space for all these personalities to flourish and that magic is what will make future events even more successful...We are proud that we were able to help at the first gathering and look forward to being able to do so again....

Congratulations,

Regards

Scott and Mia Brewer

(Two Wolf and Wild Woman)

Powderhorn Clan

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Dear Scott (General Washington),

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in the first ever American Revolutionary skirmish in Arizona, it was magnificent.
As you know I only participate in Highland Games as a living historian, the opportunity to be a reenactor (for the first time) at the First Annual American Heritage Weekend was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had, for that I thank you sir. I made friends by the dozens, I learned, and I had many opportunities to educate. I pray that this becomes an annual event, for by the grace of God, it is a wonderful experience that must continue for the sake of all Arizonans.

Your Brother-In-Arms,

Stephen Chernin/Commander
1745 Jacobite Society

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Good morning Scott,

Thanks again for all of your HARD WORK, it was very much appreciated. I know it must have been nearly overwhelming to plan and pull this off, though you sure didn't look very stressed to me; you must be very organized. I hope that you came out okay on this event so that it can become an annual one. The three meals that you provided were also very much appreciated, we do not usually get this, and that was a very nice touch.

Hope to talk to you again soon, take care-

Tony Variz

Moody’s Battery, Madison Light Artillery

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Scott,

I can't thank you enough for the great weekend! I hope to see it grow in size and scope to equal or exceed the Fresno, CA. event.
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to command the Loyalist Militia.

Capt. Phil Holmes
6th Regt. of United States Infantry
Capt. Machesnay's Co'y

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Scott,

I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of the 1st American Heritage Weekend. I found it to be very enjoyable and quite informative. I have to say that the weekend flew by as there was so much to see and do. Your portrayal of George Washington was magnificent to say the least and I enjoyed the Church service as well. I will certainly be looking forward to next year's event. Again thank you.

Y.M.H.S.,

Pvt. John Van Wagner

1st US Infantry

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Dear Scott:

My deepest thanks and respect to you for affording us, the often unappreciative reenacting community, and the public such a wonderful event. I particularly like the fact that the event is not one dimensional and represented so much of our history, culture and heritage. That's what kept people there and interested. My helmet, Sir, is off to you for doing what no entire reenacting unit has done for reenacting in Arizona in a long time. It can only now get bigger and better. Perhaps I will be able to lend more of a hand next year and get more cavalry support to boot.

Ron

2nd TX Cav.

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Scott,

I am still in the process of cleaning the five firearms we used at the event, but wanted to get this off to you before I forgot.

The first annual American Heritage Weekend was indeed successful beyond expectations. My son, Casey, was one of the several Revolutionary War Tories, and I was impressed by how good he looked, considering his makeshift outfit. He was somewhat reminiscent of a period caricature of a militia recruit. Your creative vision and efforts are well appreciated! We are fortunate to have you.

Wade

1st US Inf.

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Scott,

Just a note to let you know again how much I enjoyed participating in the American Heritage Weekend. I did not realize this was the first one, because it all went so smoothly, at least on Saturday when I attended. The organization could be a model for other such events.

Again, I was happy to participate, and am eagerly anticipating next year's event.

Bill Taylor

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Dear Lord Scott,

We had a wonderful weekend; a total reprieve from the difficulties of our day to day lives. We became so engrossed in it that we felt out of place returning home and to work even though I was relived to get that corset off! I am so very grateful that I do not have to dress like that daily.

I have expressed to you in the past just how very much these events have meant to me. Rich and I tend to be very 21st century in our relating to others but imitating the Lees changed that. It certainly sparked his interest to have the opportunity to portray such an honorable man.

I love this re-enacting and Lord willing I will be allowed to enjoy it for many years to come. I have been showing people at work the photos and they all say the same thing: "Wow!" I believe that they expect cheap costumes. One of our co-workers was there both days with his family and on Monday he came up to me and addressed me as Mrs Lee.

Gratefully yours,

Rita

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Hi Scott...So good to see you again. Fran and I enjoyed the event on Saturday. You did an outstanding, professional job of organizing everything as always.

Genny

Prescott Victorian Society

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Hello Scott,

Just want to thank you for the most enjoyable Saturday this past weekend was for me, as well as for many others. As a participant at The American Heritage Weekend, a Civil War reenactor with the ACWC I can say that it was a beautiful day, a great learning experience (so many time periods) great battles, good questions from the public, the camels, the pipers, good reenactors, great displays, and Timeless Stitches from Washington...it was nice having a sutler that carried a good line of women's accessories.....What a learning experience for the public, something they will not forget soon....I heard nothing but positive feedback.....

Thank you again and do take care...Elisabeth Preston, ACWC

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Scott - I continue to be amazed at how well your event turned out over the last weekend. You are to be congratulated on its success! It was an OUTSTANDING job organizing the weekend and I was quite impressed with the reenactors and sutlers in attendance.
has to be the largest historical military reenactment in Arizona.

May GOD continue to smile upon you and your family.

Mike Cynecki

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It was a very "well worth it" trip from Orange County, California to Queen Creek, AZ for the first We Make History Reenactment. We made many new friends and saw many familiar faces. We compared our gowns and the different period of dress and was amazed at the attention to detail for each outfit. We had so many of the public ask questions about the Civil War and why we do this thing called "reenacting".....To help teach the public about these historic events is so rewarding....especially when a child ask "why"......thank you for inviting us to participate and we hope we will be asked back again next year........once again thank you for such a great experience.......

Joyce and David Bolin

Fanny Rose & Co.

Mission Viejo, CA

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Scott, I wanted the dust to settle and for you to take a breath after your event. Just wanted to say I had a great time traveling to your event from California. You did a fine job with everything. I have been involved with putting on events myself and know the hard work it takes to put on something like that. Glad to hear all went as you expected and that you are planning to do it again next year. If everything works for me schedule wise, I will be out there again.

Thanks again for your hard work and doing this for the public and the reenacting community.

Ted Miljevich

Union, Civil War-------Spanish , Spanish American War reenactor

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It was a wonderful event! We very much enjoyed being a part of it!

Poppy

1st NC Cav.

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Hello, Scott,
The Sunday service was fantastic! We're looking forward to next year's event.

Jerry Garcia

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We acknowledge and thank the following persons for their photographic contributions:

R. Slaven, T. Emery, S. Hinkle, L. Hinkle, W. Petersen, B. Bender, A. Variz, R. Smith, M. Cynecki, J. Sprunger & D. Lockhart

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