Authenticity - Why do it if you're not going to do it right?

Fun - If it's not fun, really, why are you spending your time and money?

Kameradschaft - Nothing is better than comradeship with your "brothers."

Share Our Knowledge - Pass it on. If we don't, then how will this knowledge get passed on?

Reasons for doing what we do

There are many recreated WWII units whose members come together for a variety of reasons. Our goal is provide the best experience we possibly can for our members at WWI living history events; to provide activities that are interesting, educational, and entertaining, to attempt to accurately and respectfully represent people from another time and place who struggled and sacrificed for something they believed in, and to foster among ourselves a sense of connection with the past.

And saying "best experience" we actually DO realize (unlike some reenacting groups) that real-world events like a family member's birthday, your anniversary, Little League games, etc. are "real life" and important! We also don't wish to pressure people into joining or going to events. It seems some units pride themselves in "stealing recruits" from other units -- this is a hobby, it's supposed to be fun, when it's not anymore, why continue?

The 17. LwFD has a social function as well: to create a sense of Kameradschaft (comradeship)--something that is often difficult to find in our highly individualized present-day society. This Kameradschaft is built upon our shared interests and experiences, and the pride that we take in trying to do something as well as we possibly can.

When possible, members of the 17. LwFD are also encouraged to share with others--school groups, fellow collectors and historians, and the general public--their growing knowledge of WWII, and insights they may be gaining into the life, times, and motivations of the common German soldier. This goal, however, is secondary to learning more for ourselves, and providing our members with the best possible experience at WWII living history events.