Denison -- It’s a birthday celebration for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Denison, Texas, on October 12-14, 2012. Re-enactors will showcase weaponry and uniforms from WWII. The Liberty Jump Team will leap out of a C-47 in period uniforms. Enjoy a theatrical production of South Pacific and a sock hop. See automobiles and military vehicles from the World War II era and visit local museums and historic sites to complete your memorable experience.

The Liberty Jump Team will be one of the highlights of the weekend. They jump static line using military steerable round canopy parachutes.

The team utilizes vintage C-47s to perform their jumps--most of which were used overseas during WWII to carry US paratroopers for the D-Day landings. The members dress in WWII uniforms and are a treat to watch.

The first jump will kick of official activity at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, October 12 across from Grayson College on FM 691. The best viewing point will be under the water tower.

Visitors are then welcome to a reception in the lobby of the Cruce Stark Auditorium. At 7:30, the curtain will be raised on Grayson’s theatrical production of South Pacific. The show is free to Veterans. Other performances will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Saturday activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Eisenhower Veterans Monument at loy Park with a dedication of newly installed Veterans bricks. The Denison Middle School Band will perform during this short ceremony. TAPS parking shuttles will be available at Loy Park to avoid congestion.

The final jump will be held at the Dam Site boat launch area on Lake Texoma next to the spillway. Those wishing to see the aerial activities should be on hand early and bring lawn chairs for the Saturday 4:00 p.m. show. The paratroopers will be picked up in military vehicles and available to visit with the public afterward.

Liberty Jump Team was formed in 2006 to perform a commemorative jump for D-Day ceremonies in France. They have returned to Normandy each year since. They also perform at airshows and reunions around the world. From the beginning, the vision was for a team of commemorative jumpers to perpetuate the remembrance of not only the brave men and women of World War II but all Veterans of all wars. This team is made up primarily of active duty, retired or reserve US and Foreign Military.

Countries represented are the USA, France, Canada, England, Ireland, Holland, Germany, South Africa and Belgium.
.Liberty Jump Team also sets up static displays of many WWII artifacts as well as artifacts from other periods of war. Members enjoy sharing their knowledge with the general public. On Saturday, October 13, they will have a harness available for the public to try on along with their static display on the 700 Block of W. Main from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Other features on the 700 Block of Main include Grayson County Amateur Radio Operators broadcasting throughout the day, a car show featuring 30’s-50’s autos, military vehicles, and the Lil’ Katy Train rides.

Those wishing to see a parachute packing demonstration can watch the Liberty Jump Team in action at the SNAP Center at 531 W. Chestnut from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. World War II oral history interviews will be conducted and pre-recorded interviews will be shown in a media room. D-Day photographs and a timeline of Eisenhower’s life will be on display. Veterans support officials and organizations will be on hand.

Another highlight of the weekend will be the return of the Texas Military Historical Society (TMHS). Both Allied and Axis forces will be on hand to visit with the public at the Eisenhower Birthplace. Saturday, October 13 will be the best time to catch up with the re-enactors. They will have a weapons demonstration after Ike’s birthday cake at 1:00 p.m. At 2:30, the group will reenact a battle.

 Along with their authentic WWII uniforms, they will bring a German BMW motorcycle with side car, US Army jeeps, a command car, and half-track.

TMHS began in 1978, and they preserve and experience the period of 1939-1945. The Society was formed to promote and strengthen the World War II reenacting hobby. They portray, present and recreate the diverse groups of combat soldiers that fought in the conflict.

Membership is composed of business professionals, tradesman, lawyers, computer programmers, students and members of the military.

Donna Hunt and Dr. Mavis Anne Bryant will be on hand on Saturday from 9-12 at Frontier Village and at the Rialto on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. signing copies of their local history books including a new release. The Sunday signing will be followed by “House of the Generals” produced by Louis Pollaro of Denison. Much of the movie was shot locally with many local actors appearing in the film. “House of the Generals” takes place in the Ukraine and ends up in Israel. It chronicles a Jewish family’s effort to survive the invasion of Russia.

Saturday’s events will conclude with a sock hop at RadioVision, 521 W. Main in Downtown Denison. The theme is WWII: On the Homefront. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the 1940’s and participate in contests for theme as well as an Ike Look Alike contest. Cash prizes will be awarded for a dance contest held at 8:30 as well as the best dressed.

Special activities and displays should not be missed at the Perrin Air Force Base Museum, Frontier Village, The Red River Railroad Museum, and Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site. TAPS will offer a shuttle service between the sites, the 700 Block of Main, and the SNAP Center from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The shuttle will begin at the Eisenhower Birthplace and will be at each site hourly.
Community partners will be presenting special activities and displays throughout the weekend. With the railroad being the reason the Eisenhower’s came to Denison, film clips from WWII will be shown throughout the day. All activities are free with the exception of a nominal fee charged at some partners. A complete schedule of activities, hours, costs, addresses, and phone numbers are listed at www.cityofdenison.com in the calendar of events. Information can also be obtained at 903-465-2720.