Unit History
|
We've been around long enough to have a "history?"
Apparently so.
In 1990, Mike and Dave were working together in the same office on Ft. Knox. They'd tried Civil War reenacting and SCA, but wanted something different: something that was more family-oriented but still realistically military. That wasn't surprising, considering where they worked.
"Let's try Revolutionary War reenacting," Mike said. "I've got an ensign's uniform from Fraiser's Highlanders Light Infantry that I made about ten years ago." Dave agreed that a Scottish unit sounded great, and they asked Ron (who had the good sense to not work on Ft. Knox anymore) to make it a trio. They went to their first NWTA event in May that year - The Spirit of Vincennes, Vincennes, IN and were smitten.
It was in January 1991 on a dark and stormy night when Mike, Dave, Ron and Paul (he was actually living on Ft. Knox) met to assess interest and commitment in moving the 71st from a provisional to a fully active unit. They formalized their involvement with the NWTA and added three additional members (The most useful of them was the molly.) and now, the world is a better place!
The first decade saw steady growth. Members came and went just as regular GI's do at Ft. Knox. Some members were born into the unit and some married in. At the time of this writing, there are former or inactive unit members around the world (Chad, Germany and France) and in several states. More than half of the men and women are former or current active duty military. We're a true "Loyalist" organization!
The 71st men are an adventurous bunch. Singly, or in groups, they have been to reenactments at Ft. Niagara, NY; to Boston, MA for the Lexington/Concord march; to film at Guilford Court House National Park, NC and to twice march the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC. Nearby events that we have enjoyed include Sertoma in Indianapolis, a joint NWTA/BAR event in Findlay, Ohio, "Freezer Jam" for musicians in Indiana, the Feast of the Hunter's Moon in West Lafayette, IN and Mansker's Station, Goodletsville, TN.
The cannon of the new milleneum is Mike's creation. (Remember Mike of our "first uniform?" That uniform has become a loaner--if you decide to try one of our events, you'll probably put this on and carry the flag. That way, you're not handling a musket right off!) Mike got restless. He had found a job at Jeff-Boat and used their old WWII naval gun lathe to turn the barrel. Mike has hand-fashioned all the extra equipment necessary to field it in authentic style.
Ever obliging, this unit sends members to local schools to give classroom presentations. They guard the members of the English Speaking Union during their annual celebration of Queen Elizabeth's birthday. They have been Rotary Club speakers. They have represented the American Revolution (they can dress up as if they're from the colonial side, too) at the annual Patton Museum Independance Day display on Ft. Knox. They made new uniforms to represent the Salt River Militia--a unit from 1803 that was here in Hardin County when the Lewis and Clark Expedition stopped at West Point to pick up some more Kentuckians.
Looking forward, even as we look back, we are glad to welcome new folks who show a genuine interest in American Colonial and Scottish history and who like portraying the era to educate visitors. If you are one of these people, please visit us at one of our listed events or contact us at: dmp@kvnet.org.