Armor Museum Invites Vets and Their Families to a "Khaki Carpet" of Their Own as WWII Movie Premiere Slated for New York

Not invited to the red carpet for the upcoming premiere of Brad Pitt’s WW II movie epic “Fury?”

Not to worry. You and your family are invited to the “khaki carpet” and a parade of WW II armor at the Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration the weekend of October 11th and 12th between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. where the program will honor the real stars of our nation: our fighting men and women.

Participate in an historical encampment dedicated to the military with demonstrations of the life and times of the soldier throughout history, from Rome to today’s modern army. Living historians will present field tactics and demonstrations as rolling armor from World War II operates throughout the weekend.

Mark Renton, director of the Museum of American Armor stated, “I guess for most of us the invitation to the opening premier of the movie Fury has gotten lost in the mail. From its promotional trailer we know the film honors the tankers who served in Sherman tanks similar to the one we have on operational display at the museum. What better way to better appreciate what is depicted in that movie than to attend your own `khaki carpet’ ceremonies where we will roll vintage armor through fields reminiscent of France in 1944 and where Long Island families can connect with the heroes in their own families.”

Among those invited is Rudy Schwartz of Long Beach who served during the Korean War as a combat engineer. He is joined by Museum of American Armor volunteer Bob Gotard.

Admission and location

Admission for the day is adults $10, $7 for children (between 5-12) seniors and veterans (60+) while children under five years old are free. The museum is located off L.I. Expressway exit 48, 1 mile south at 1303 Round Swamp Road For information please call 516-572-8400, www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or www.museumofamericanarmor.org

Opened in cooperation with Nassau County and County Executive Edward P. Mangano, The Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, is a living tribute to every American who has worn the uniform and those who continue to defend our nation today. Its collection includes World War II tanks, artillery, armored cars and weapons that broke the back of the Axis powers some seventy years ago.

Hailed by the History Channel’s chief historian Dr. Libby O’Connell, the Museum of American Armor has added a new dimension to the county’s Old Bethpage Village Restoration, inviting visitors to this national treasure of restored farm houses and country lanes. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.