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First Posted: 7/27/2013

Eckley Miners Village in southern Luzerne County provides visitors with a unique opportunity to travel back in time at its annual 1940s festival this weekend.

The two-day event portrays the sacrifices made by the people of Eckley — as well as all the region’s residents — who served bravely during World War II.

The village-wide program includes replicas of Allied and Axis military encampments, gun-firing demonstrations and skirmishes, cavalry and military vehicle displays and costumed re-enactors portraying the daily lives of soldiers and mining patch town residents.

Holocaust survivor Severin Fayerman was the weekend’s keynote speaker, presenting his memoirs on Saturday and today. Fayerman, an Auschwitz survivor, recounted his life in Poland, time spent in concentration camps and stories of his new life on American soil.

Representatives from the Endless Mountain War Memorial Museum displayed an array of World War II-era weapons, artifacts and memorabilia, including an extensive Big Band-era music exhibit.

“This event is important to attract people to our location,” said Bode Morin, site administrator. “It’s also important for people to realize that Eckley Miners Village is in Luzerne County. I’m not sure residents remember that fact.”

Swing band music was to be provided throughout the weekend by area ensembles, and a special 1940s Swing Dance was held in the Freeland Public Park Pavilion on Saturday.