CRESTVIEW, Fla., Oct. 31, 2025—Discover how America’s military has evolved over the last two centuries during the Crestview History Museum’s Nov. 8 tribute to our nation’s veterans.

The museum’s Living History Corps presents America’s Military Through the Wars during which the historic re-enactors offer several impressions of our nation’s military members.

Presented in honor of Veterans Day, the re-enactors will set up living history displays on the Bush House front lawn and porch. 

Visitors are invited to meet the re-enactors, ask questions about their uniforms and equipment, and maybe try on a helmet or hold a weapon or two—with permission, of course.

Among the re-enactors are two area high school students who will present a World War II Red Cross field first aid station. For Ryan Hernandez of Baker and Sawyer Richardson of Navarre, doing living history events is more than putting on period-correct uniforms.

“We do it to honor the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of the men and women who have served in our nation’s military,” said Ryan. “Their courage is the foundation of our freedom and we are forever indebted to their service.”

While World War II is a popular conflict for re-enactors, the Crestview History Museum event will also present Civil War and Vietnam War impressions and displays. Shane Beld, who usually does a German Heer (army) impression has extended his repertoire and will bring his Louisiana 8^th Infantry Civil War impression to the event. 

“Civil War is sometimes a harder conflict to assemble a kit for due to it being more than 150 years old,” Shane said. “But I want to get it historically accurate.”

Uniforms from a World War I veteran and his Korean War veteran son will be exhibited inside the Bush House.

As Crestview prepares to honor veterans with the city’s annual Nov. 11 Veterans Day parade up Main Street, stop by the Bush House three days before to learn more about those who served in America’s wars. 

America’s Military Through the Wars runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Admission, as always, is free.

“Their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Ryan. Including his own.

The Crestview History Museum in the historic Bush House, located at 198 South Wilson St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. most second Saturdays of the month. Admission and parking are free. 

Upcoming Second Saturday openings are Christmas at the Bush House, Dec. 13, and Tea with Mrs. Bush, Jan. 17, for which a modest charge is asked.

Story and photos By Brian Hughes, City of Crestview cultural services specialist