A historical re-enactor portraying Benjamin Franklin meets Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Maria Consbruck of the Blue Ash Cadet Squadron, flanked by the unit’s deputy commander, Capt. Debora Kirby, and commander, Capt. Tom Consbruck.
Maj. Marlene Vastine
Aerospace Education Officer
Group 1
Ohio Wing
OHIO – American heritage and history came alive Oct. 6 for cadets and officers from four Ohio Wing units – the Clermont County Composite, Lt. Col. James R. Sanders Senior and Blue Ash and Warren County cadet squadrons – attending the second annual Patriot Fair in Mason.
The event began with a rousing rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Cadets from the Warren County squadron participated in the opening by displaying the War of 1812 version of the flag, complemented by Mason Mayor David Nichols’ introduction of a historical re-enactor portraying Francis Scott Key, who wrote the national anthem after watching the British bombardment of Fort McHenry from Baltimore Harbor.
Other re-enactors of figures from the colonial period, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War and World War II helped drive home lessons from history for the cadets and other area youth in attendance.
In addition, talks were given by re-enactors portraying American icons like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Dolly Madison, Abraham Lincoln and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.
Also featured were displays by Civil Air Patrol and such groups as the Tri-State Warbird Museum, National Honor Flight, Tuskegee Airmen, U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
Other displays provided a look at colonial crafts, such as blacksmithing, butter churning and doll making. Members of the Shawnee tribe, dressed in full tribal regalia, showed Native American teepees and crafts.
Classes were given in colonial dances, manners and fashions, and a workshop on spy tactics from the era was offered as well.
The fair was sponored by the city of Mason and the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Nichols, the mayor, and members of the DAR’s John Reilly Chapter said they were very impressed with the patriotic spirit displayed by the CAP cadets.
