POW Camp Concordia to Hold Victory Day Celebration This Weekend
The POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society will host their 7th Annual Victory Day Celebration on Saturday, May 4th from 10 am to 3 pm.
The POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society's Victory Day Celebration is in recognition of the upcoming Victory in Europe Day. On May 8, 1945, cities in both Great Britain and the United States, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine.
Camp Concordia was a World War II internment camp for German POWS from May 1, 1943 through November 8, 1945. At its height, the camp held over 4,000 Germans. Strategically located in the heartland of America, where prisoners could be employed on local farms, the camp saw only two escapes and eight POW deaths during its operation.
Hastily built in the spring of 1943, the camp consisted of more than 300 buildings, including a hospital, post, restaurants, fire department, and barracks. Total cost of building Camp Concordia was $1.8 million.
The camp is located 2 miles north and 1 mile east of Concordia on Union Road.
During their Victory Day celebration, free tours will be given of the POW Camp Concordia Museum. Visitors will be able to view exhibits and World War II memorabilia at the museum.
Laura Hansen with the POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society says the day will also include military vehicles, speakers, food, and World War II re-enactors.
Also on Saturday at 6 pm, the 1st Infantry Division Band from Fort Riley will be performing a full spectrum of patriotic selections at the historic Brown Grand Theatre in downtown Concordia. The 1st Infantry Division Band is the musical ambassador for the United States' premier fighting force. The Big Red One Band represents the 1st Infantry Division for military ceremonies and the communities that support the American Soldier. Capable of performing a variety of music, the 38-member ensemble frequently entertains audiences with light overtures, marches, show tunes, and big band music of the 40s and 50s. This will be a delightful concert for the entire community.
Donations will be accepted to benefit the Brown Grand and POW Camp Concordia.