Press Release
Echoes of Valor 2026
April 17–19, 2026
AuGlaize Village | Defiance, Ohio
A full weekend of immersive World War II living history returns this spring as Echoes Of Valor brings together reenactors, historic military vehicles, educational displays, and public demonstrations designed to give visitors an authentic look at life during the Second World War.
Mortain: An Occupied French Town During D Day +60
Step into Mortain as it would have appeared roughly sixty days after the Allied landings in Normandy. Visitors will immediately notice a dramatic shift in atmosphere from the village’s traditional early American setting. For the weekend, the grounds will be transformed into an occupied French town caught in the tension of advancing Allied forces and tightening German control.
Upon arrival at the front gate, guests will encounter a German guard house and checkpoint. After purchasing admission inside the office, each visitor will be issued a German travel permit, symbolizing the documentation required to move within occupied territory. This interactive element sets the tone for the experience and reinforces the restrictive environment civilians faced under occupation.
Inside the town, the setting becomes a living, breathing portrayal of wartime Mortain. German forces will maintain a visible presence, establishing an encampment prominently positioned within the village. Patrols, inspections, and routine military activity will create a constant reminder of occupation authority.
At the same time, the atmosphere will reflect the growing tension of D Day plus sixty. With Allied forces advancing across France, French resistance members will be portrayed as increasingly active and emboldened. Visitors may witness subtle acts of defiance, whispered coordination, or heightened confrontation that illustrates the push and pull between occupying forces and those working to undermine them.
Further down the road, an American checkpoint will represent the shifting lines of control as Allied troops press forward. The juxtaposition of German and American positions within the same environment underscores the rapid and often chaotic changes that defined this phase of the war.
Mortain is designed not as a static display, but as an immersive historical environment. Through interactive checkpoints, dynamic portrayals of resistance activity, and the physical presence of military forces from both sides, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the uncertainty, danger, and complexity experienced by civilians and soldiers during the liberation of France in the summer of 1944.
Living History Camp & Interactive Stations
Throughout the weekend, a fully established military camp will be open to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through Allied and Axis encampments, speak directly with reenactors, and learn about the daily realities faced by soldiers at different stages of the war.
Educational stations will highlight topics such as:
• Infantry equipment and field gear
• Rations and supply logistics
• Battlefield medicine
• Communication methods
• Reconnaissance operations
• Life on the home front
These interactive presentations are designed not simply to display uniforms and equipment, but to contextualize the physical and psychological demands placed on service members during wartime.
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Friday, April 17 – School Day
Friday will feature School Day programming, offering structured educational experiences for students. Presentations will focus on historical accuracy, primary source discussion, and demonstrations tailored to younger audiences. This component aligns with the educational mission of the event and supports Ohio’s America 250 initiatives.
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Saturday, April 18 – Public Tactical Demonstrations
Saturday will feature scheduled public battle demonstrations designed to illustrate battlefield tactics and the realities of combat. These demonstrations are carefully choreographed to safely replicate:
• Infantry maneuver tactics
• Combined arms coordination
• Reconnaissance operations
• Defensive positioning
• The role of armored support
Featured America250 Additions
This year’s event will include significant historic vehicles and displays:
• M4A3E8 Sherman Tank
• M3 & M16 WWII American Halftracks
• Sd.Kfz. 222 German armored reconnaissance vehicle
• German halftrack vehicle
• BMW R71 motorcycle with sidecar
• M1a1 75mm American Pack Howitzer towed by a Willys American Jeep
• Sd.kfz. 251 German Half Track
These vehicles provide a powerful visual and educational element, demonstrating the mechanized evolution of warfare during the 1940s.
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Special Displays & Educational Organizations
The weekend will also feature several important educational and heritage organizations:
• U.S. War Dogs – Chapter 3 (Kokomo, Indiana)
Highlighting the vital role of military working dogs during World War II.
• Chained Eagles Of Ohio
Dedicated to educating the public about the POW/MIA issue and honoring Ohio servicemen who did not return from the Vietnam War.
• Fiber Arts Group Demonstration
Demonstrating how socks and essential garments were hand crafted for soldiers during World War II, showcasing the critical role of civilian support on the home front.
Represented by Jake Healy, providing resources and outreach information for veterans and their families.
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Ohio National Guard Flyover
Weather and mission permitting, an F-16 flyover by the 180th Fighter Wing based in Toledo is scheduled for Noon on Saturday. This modern military presence bridges past and present service, reinforcing the event’s connection to ongoing military service and sacrifice.
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Saturday Evening – World War II Era Dance
Saturday concludes in the evening with a World War II era dance from 5 pm to 9 pm, open to the public for an optional donation. The dance offers a social component reflective of 1940s American culture, complete with period music and atmosphere, allowing attendees to experience a piece of the wartime home front.
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Event Purpose
Echoes Of Valor is not simply a reenactment. It is an educational initiative designed to preserve history, foster civic understanding, and honor those who served. Through immersive displays, tactical demonstrations, historical interpretation, and veteran engagement, the weekend aims to connect generations and deepen public appreciation for the sacrifices made during World War II.