D-Day Conneaut, Ohio - August 2014

Words alone cannot convey the gratitude and appreciation I have for this spectacular event.  The organizers of D-Day Conneaut, Ohio have far surpassed everyone's expectations for this phenomenal annual event. 

This year the organizers of D-Day Conneaut hosted 113 WWII veterans.  Over 1250 re-enactors participated with more than 30,000 spectators.  Their gigantic 100+ local volunteers and 200+ service group members were absolutely critical for this annual event to become such a huge success.   

Their professional media crew photographed over 10,000 photos which will be displayed on the gallery very soon.  I am looking forward to seeing the DVD when it becomes available.

My calendar is marked for August 21 - 22, 2015.  I plan on being there a few days before hand to set up.  I am currently working with my publicist to arrange for a few speaking engagements.

I want to especially thank the veterans, organizers, re-enactors, volunteers, and attendees for making D-Day Conneaut, Ohio, the Best National WWII Living History event in the entire United States. 

D-Day Conneaut, Ohio - August 22-23,2014 - WWII Re-enactment and Book Signing Event

**** D-Day Conneaut, Ohio - August 22-23,2014 - WWII Re-enactment and Book Signing Event **** 

Join over 1550 WWII re-enactors and over 35,000 spectators at this spectacular D-Day Event in Conneaut, Ohio! 

Meet author Cynthia A. Sandor at the German PX in the Occupied France Zone. She will be autographing her book "Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth," at the annual D-Day Conneaut, Ohio event. Along with over 1550 re-enactors, Ms. Sandor will be accompanied with a select group of Hitler Youth - BDM girl re-enactors.

 D-Day Conneaut - Author Book Signing information 

Hitler Youth Rally - 1935 - Triump of the Will

Deanna Spingola interview with Cynthia Sandor - Part I

Deanna Spingola interview with Cynthia Sandor - Part I

Never before seen photos of the girls in Landjahr Lager - Seidorf.  Ms. Sandor discusses her book "Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth" with Deanna Spingola.

Inside the Hitler Youth Camps - Landjahr Lager Journal Goes Up for Auction

Inside the Hitler Youth Camps

The article in the Daily Mail - UK web site tells of a fascinating story about 15 year old Friedhelm Huhn's time in Landjahr Lager during 1938.  The article goes on to talk about the 'chilling' photographs that show how teenagers in Germany were brainwashed into supporting the fascist cause at these Hitler Youth indoctrination camps.  This is far from the truth. Let me explain exactly what the Landjahr Lager (Country Service Camps) were all about. 

I know first hand about Landjahr Lager because my mother wrote about her time in Landjahr Lager - in 1941 when she was in Seidorf, Niederschlesien. I currently hold her journal in my possession. 

FACTS about Landjahr Lager for the BDM girls, which are very similar to the boy's time in Landjahr Lager.

Landjahr Lager (Country Service Camp) taught the girls courage, confidence, and built their moral character in a friendly and fun atmosphere through the power of camaraderie. This elite rural educational program provided the fundamental building blocks which would stay with them the rest of their lives. 

The educational curriculum was designed exclusively by the Reich’s Ministry of Science, Education, and Culture.  The focus was to build the girls full individual potential to become full productive members in society. 

Their education went beyond the traditional home economics and child rearing as we have all come to believe.  Through a myriad of enriching experiences, these girls developed their interpersonal mental, physical, and spiritual skills. Their challenging assignments included thought provocative discussions, problem-solving activities, and team-building exercises, which ended in their daily prayer.  

They contributed to local society by working with the farmers planting and harvesting the local crops, holding theatrical plays and musical performances, and organizing summer festivals for the townspeople. 

By the time these girls graduated at the age of 14, they could move into their chosen vocation from agriculture, hospitality, retail, office work, or full home management and child care. They had an exact understanding of their responsibility and duties to their state and in their work place.  It was a great honor to be chosen for Landjahr Lager. 

Hidden for more than 50 years, my heritage was revealed I found mother's personal journal from the time she was in the Landjahr Lager - Seidorf camp.

Four months before my mother passed away, I accidentally found her personal, hand written journal, written in Fraktur script. 

Reviewers have said........

"Ms. Sandor brings history to life in her first published non-fiction book, "Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth." "She is significantly breaking new ground by chronicling the hidden history of the emotional toll that World War II exacted on the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) girls who participated in the Landjahr Lager (Country Service Camp) program, and those who loved them.

Sandor explains the origin of her book: "In 1941, my mother Gertrude Kerschner wrote a personal journal (complete with photos) when she was in "Landjahr Lager Seidorf," while serving in the BDM, the girls division of the Hitler Youth. This book captures the self-actualization of 10-year old Gertrude as she progresses from childhood and living in poverty, to adolescence and becoming 'one' with her country." 

Sandor's book has become a national voice for German/Austrian mothers and grandmothers who have remained silent about their experiences in the BDM and are still in fear of speaking about this time to their daughters and granddaughters.  "Through Innocent Eyes" is considered by some as the "Opposite of the Anne Frank Diary."

Gertrude met and married Cynthia's father, PFC Robert Sandor - 1280th Army Corp. of Engineers Battalion, Company "C" - 65th Infantry (Battle Ax), after the war and moved to Greenwich, Ct.

...."This is such an important, authentic, and engaging piece of scholarly work that it should become a valuable part of WWII history." Verlagsagentur (Publishing Agency) Mag. Michael Hlatky – Germany

BOOK VIDEO TRAILER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP8bzuMf1Ew

For more information on Landjahr Lager, please visit:  http://www.cynthiaasandor.com/   

Thank you. 

~ Cynthia A. Sandor ~

 

 

January 2014 - Military Events

January 5, 2014, Illinois: Glendale Heights Militaria Show

Location: The Ramada Inn and Suites, 780 E. North Ave.(Rt.64 1/2 mile West of I-355) Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Details: Show hours are 8am to 1pm. Admission is $5.00. Exhibitor Table Pricing For 8' Tables $40
Contact: Jeff Stone, phone: 708-558-0587, email: chgomilitaryshow@aol.com
Website: http://www.militarypromotions.info/

January 17 – 19, 2014, Missouri- Battle of the Bulge Loc: Camp Clark, Nevada, MO
Event Times: 0830 Saturday, 1/18/14 to 1630 Saturday, 1/18/14
Registration Times: 1/17/14 - 1400 to 2300; 1/18/14 – 0600 to 0800
Pre-Registration: Required on website: http://www.137thinfantry.org
Fee: $20
Contact: Dave Hruska
Website: http://www.137thinfantry.org
Authenticity Notes: WW II HRS rules apply, period is Dec 44 – Jan 45, ETO.
Prohibited Vehicles/Items: No Vehicles allowed
Restrictions on Minors: WW II HRS rules
Other restrictions: No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on Camp Clark
Sponsoring Unit(s): G Company, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division and the 38th Jäger Regiment

Source:  http://worldwartwohrs.org/Events.htm#January

January 25-26, 2014, Ohio: Mansfield Gun Show

Location: Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 North Home Rd. Mansfield, OH 44906
Details: Show hours are 8am to 1pm. Admission is $5.00. Exhibitor Table Pricing For 8' Tables $40
Contact: Chris Beebe 330-806-1110, email: heritagearms@gmail.com
Website: http://www.heritagegunshowohio.com/

January 25, 2014, Indiana - OSTFRONT II @BLASTCAMP - Blastcamp, Hobart, IN.
Date: Saturday, January 25th, 2014
Event Times: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Registration Times: 7:30am to 9:45am
Pre-Registration: http://ostfront2.eventbrite.com
Fee: $15 if pre-registered, $20 at the gate
Contact: Doug Loge dbloge@yahoo.com
Authenticity Notes: HRS rules apply
Prohibited Vehicles/Items: No Vehicles
Restrictions on Minors: HRS rules apply
Other restrictions: Open to ostfont Allied registration only
Sponsoring Unit(s): Assistance from 5th SS Wiking

The above information has been taken from other web sites.  Please check with event organizer prior to event. 

February 2014 - Military Events

All information taken from other sites.  Please check with event organizer prior to event.

February 7 – 9, 2014, Belleview, Florida - Author Book Signing!

The Southern Outpost Military Vehicle Winter Rally and Swap Meet, sponsored by the First Florida Chapter, MVPA and the Market of Marion.  

Location: 

Behind the Market of Marion

12888 S.E. US Hwy 441

Belleview, FL.

Just 10 miles south of Ocala, FL.  

For registration forms and more info contact:  Dave Thomas, 352-288-0604, or Charles Craven, 352-245-2208.  http://www.mvpa.org/home/mv-events/ - Register through the1^st Florida MVPA Chapter - http://www.flmvpa.org/

Feb. 28 - March 2, 2014 - Louisville, KY - Ohio Valley Military Society - Show of Shows
Kentucky Exposition Center
South Wing A and the East Hall
I-264: Exit 11 · I-65: Exit 131-B
Louisville, Kentucky
Web Site: http://www.sosovms.com/  Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sosovms

Feb. 28 - March 2, 2014 - Bushnell, Florida - Dade Battlefield History State Park

WWII Commemorative Weekend  

Join the Dade Battlefield Society in honoring all those who served in the largest conflict in human history. On the site of an actual U. S. Army Signal Corps encampment, this popular event returns for its second year, and will have the following schedule:
Friday, February 28
1300: Registration/ Start Setting Up
1800: Rehearsal of Public Battle
Becky Wanamaker
Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2
0800: Displays completed
0930: Safety and Weapons Inspection

PLEASE NOTE:
Mandatory rehearsal
1000: Event opens to the public
1015: Raising of The Colors
0830 hours on Saturday, March 1st.
1300: Weapons Demonstrations
1400: Public WWII Reenactment Battle
1600: Closing Ceremony (1500 on Sunday)

Re-enactors and equipment exhibitors receive complimentary admission to the park.

There is a $10 vendor fee and $5 table fee, if needed, for thoseselling items during the event. Participants are expected to remain through 1500 hours on Sunday.
Contact: Jean Creamer
Food, drink, and 1940’s music are on the grounds all day.
USO show and refreshments for participants on Saturday night.
Staying overnight at the park is OK, with both dry camping and a limited number of sites with hookups available upon advance request.

REGISTER IN ADVANCE at http:www.dadebattlefield.com