The 2007 American Heritage Festival Gallery

Welcome to Page Two

of the Gallery

of the

2007 American Heritage Festival

"A patriotic and educational living history celebration featuring diverse facets of our American Heritage including both civilian and military aspects as well as historic allies and enemies ranging from the Colonial era through the late 20th century."

Proudly Presented in Queen Creek, Arizona each November by

We Make History

America & Asia

In 2007 we were proud to display an increased focus on the history of America's interaction with the nations of Asia as well as the contributions of Americans of Asian descent.

Our Nationalist Chinese forces (allies of the U.S. during WWII) did a splendid job of bringing to life the important historic facet they represent, making it understandable to a public hungry to learn.

Likewise, our Vietnam era reenactors did a superb job of using everyday articles of the late 1960s to "humanize" and make accessible the American soldier of that era.

Great job!

The Modern World

America, Her Allies and Enemies of the 20th Century

The American Heritage Festival has been privileged over the years to encourage, facilitate and provide a number of "firsts" in reenacting in our region. This year we were pleased to see the introduction of the Chinese Nationalist Army, America's allies during WWII. They looked great and played their part well. We look forward to doing all we are able to see these exciting new facets grow.

It is also important to understand that it is for educational purposes that for a climactic conflict such as WWII that we include not only portrayals of America's historic allies such as the Nationalist Chinese, British and Free French but also (when possible) America's historic enemies of the period, the Germans, Italians and Japanese. There is value in gaining a comprehension of what America was up against.

Congratulations from General Washington

American Heritage Festival: Thanks, Regards & Approbations

Ladies & Gentlemen

Fellow Living Historians

With sincerity and much gratitude I would like to thank all who joined together in our mission to educate, inspire, honour and respect at and through our 5th annual American Heritage Festival.

This was our best event yet. It featured both the largest and the most diverse team of historical reenactors that Arizona and the Southwest have yet seen. You arrived from at least seven different states as well as Japan and Taiwan. Your portrayals ranged from the early Colonial period to the Vietnam era. It was colourful. It was inspirational. You were astounding in the wide range of knowledge presented and in the vast representation of times, people and cultures portrayed.

And though a heat wave brought us record setting temperatures you held up well and despite the record heat we were appreciative of a slight growth in public attendance over the three days as well.

Speaking of our attendees I can tell you that the notes we are beginning to receive from teachers and from the public at large are superlative. Everyone has been tremendously complimentary. Their comments along with event photos will be posted on the web sometime in December. In the meantime I have pasted just a couple of responses below so that you may enjoy them and sense the warm regard.

Many, many good things are happening through this event. Good things for schools. Good things for teachers. Good things for students. Good things for families.

And good things for the cause of historical reenacting.

Words I personally heard expressed from our reenactors seemed to touch over and over on the theme of harmony, unity, peace and teamwork. This has not been historically true in our region yet it has become a reality at the American Heritage Festival. With work, perseverance, respect and common goals we are seeing a new day dawn. The sun has come out and together we welcome its warmth and a bright future for living history in Arizona and the Southwest.

We are growing a corps of people of diverse skills and talents who are able to portray many facets and time periods, cooperating with one another, honouring each other - and the public - and respecting the event, gladly and unselfishly joining together as a team in pursuit of the mission of the American Heritage Festival - to educate, inspire, honour and respect.

I'll be working throughout the year toward our 6th annual American Heritage Festival - November 14-16, 2008 - and with your support and participation we expect great results.

With respect, regards and appreciation

I remain your servant

in this noble cause.

"Genl. Geo. Washington"