PATRIOT AIMS HISTORY BUFFS WAGE BATTLE.Byline: Jennifer Klein Staff Writer SIMI VALLEY Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. - A gun went off unexpectedly and the crowd of adults, teens and children exclaimed, clapped and cheered in response. The onlookers weren't hungry for blood but rather American history. They were among hundreds of people attending the American Revolution American Revolution, 1775–83, struggle by which the Thirteen Colonies on the Atlantic seaboard of North America won independence from Great Britain and became the United States. It is also called the American War of Independence. re-enactment Saturday and Sunday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs in Simi Valley. ``This is something I've always wanted to do,'' said John Olson
lecture, speech rebuke, reprehension, reprimand, reproof, reproval - an act or expression of criticism and censure; "he had to the crowd.'' It also was a dream come true for many of the visitors, who thought it would be a good educational field trip for their children and grandchildren. ``The little ones young children. See also: Little really ought to get more involved with history,'' said Mike Houston of Northridge, who came with his son-in-law Robert Smith Robert Smith, Bob Smith or Bobby Smith may refer to: Business
``Right, it's for the little ones, but I like seeing the cannons, too,'' added Robert Smith, who said he is a history buff. It also was a family affair for those who were dressed up in colonial garb and teaching others about how bullets were made and wool was woven during the 18th century. Husband and wife Henry and Sharon Kayser of Simi Valley have participated in re-enactments since 1976 and frequently bring their two daughters along as well. For them, it's not just ``playing soldier,'' but rather an all-consuming intellectual passion. ``It's a family affair,'' said John Langellier, supervisory curator of the library. ``For this one, they've worked probably as much as they would at their normal jobs, but this is all in their free time.'' As the red-coated, British soldiers advanced and fired during a re-enactment of the Lexington, Mass., skirmish that started the American Revolutionary War, you could tell that all of the hard work and time invested was worth it. The crowd oohed and aahed as the powder guns went off, leaving two American patriots dead on the grass. For the children and adults, they were no longer looking out onto the hills of Simi Valley, but rather the hills of colonial Massachusetts. ``Since we are talking about the Constitution a lot in school, this is telling me about all the work they had to do,'' said 10-year-old Jonathan Magno of Thousand Oaks. Sunday was also Constitution Day, which celebrates the last day of the Constitutional convention. In honor of the holiday, visitors could sign a replica of the Constitution with a quill ball point pen. ``My older son came Saturday and said it was fabulous,'' said Paul Erickson of Simi Valley, who brought his Cub Scout den. ``I figured my younger boys would be captivated cap·ti·vate tr.v. cap·ti·vat·ed, cap·ti·vat·ing, cap·ti·vates 1. To attract and hold by charm, beauty, or excellence. See Synonyms at charm. 2. Archaic To capture. by it, and they are. Their eyes are the size of dinner plates.'' CAPTION(S): 4 photos Photo: (1 -- color in Conejo and Simi SIMI Sea Ice Mechanics Initiative SIMI Search for Intelligent Monkeys on the Internet SIMI Students Islamic Movement in India SIMI Society of Irish Motor Industry SIMI Smallholder Irrigation Markets Initiative editions only) Capt. Joseph Ferguson, played by George Mack, orders his redcoats to advance during Sunday's battle re-enactment. (2) Members of the Lexington Militia stand their ground in the face of advancing British troops (3 -- 4 -- color -- ran in Conejo and Simi editions only) At left, 3-year- old Bryce Seeger plugs his ears to the sound of musket musket: see small arms. musket Muzzle-loading shoulder firearm developed in 16th-century Spain. Designed as a larger version of the harquebus, muskets were fired with matchlocks until flintlocks were developed in the 17th century; flintlocks were fire while watching with his dad, Kjell Seeger. Members of the Lexington Militia, below, fire volleys in the face of advancing British troops during the re-enactment Sunday at the Reagan Library. Lilly Barrett/Special to the Daily News |
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