World War II Weekend at The Museum of American Armor honored those who have fought for freedom

Robert Young, manager of Stop & Shop's Farmingdale store, is honored by Congressman Peter King and living historian "FDR" during World War II Weekend at the Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, where the company's philanthropy allowed the museum to honor every American who has worn the uniform in defense of our freedoms.

The Museum of American Armor’s World War II Encampment Weekend, featured scores of military operational tanks, halftracks, armored cars and artillery in field exercises saluting an era when our very freedoms were at risk.

The vehicles that were on display included an M8 Greyhound similar to those that knocked down the gates to the death camps when Allied soldiers came upon them in the spring of 1945, and a Hellcat tank destroyer, which operated in coordination with the iconic Sherman tank, the only one of its kind in the New York metropolitan area.

The 25,000 square foot museum is located within the nearly 200 acres of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, where its period country roads, woods and restored farm houses give the visitor the feel of viewing armor and living history reenactments on the fields of France during the summer of 1944.

Museum founder Mr. Lawrence Kadish stated, “World War II will continue to engage current and future generations because the stark depiction of good versus evil is so obvious. In addition, everyone has someone in their family’s history who fought in the war, survived the carnage in Europe or Asia, or was lost during that conflict. It also reminds us that the current War on Terror still demands American courage in the face of relentless evil.”

History Channel’s Historian Emeritus Dr. Libby O’Connell said, “This museum is a unique commitment by public and private sectors to preserve and present a seminal chapter in the history of our nation... and our world. It is worth a visit by every American family, regardless of their ethnicity, because this is the story of all of us.”

Museum associate board member Eileen Daly Sapraicone explained, “The ability to create an armored column that replicates the sights and sounds of American forces during World War II is one of the most compelling educational tools we have to recount the story of our courage, valor and sacrifice. Place it in this setting of vintage farmhouses and country roads so reminiscent of the WWII era countryside, and you have created a virtual time machine that ensures indelible memories for entire families.”