Military enthusiasts gathered to share their passion at Cowboy Town’s recent Military Expo.

The event took place on October 11, drawing hundreds of residents, veterans and re-enactors. Vendors sold a wide range of collectable military items, from badges and clothing to deactivated explosives and weapons.

The reenactors went all out, wearing authentic uniforms and carrying deactivated weapons. One participant, Dean van der Westhuizen (29), was dressed as an American paratrooper of the 101st Airborne Division from the Normandy campaign circa 1944.

“I used to dress up in my dad’s old army clothes and run around the garden as a kid. I guess that part of me never grew up. It evolved into collecting militaria and re-enactment,” he said.

Dean has been collecting militaria for the past eight years, and in 2023, he joined a re-enactors group. He added that he participates to preserve history as well as to educate the public.

“My favourite part of these events is interacting with the public,” he explained.

Attendee and military veteran Craig Rheeders (54) did his national service from 1989 to 1990 and served as a reservist until 2002.

“I started basic training in Bethlehem at 2 Field Engineering Regiment and then parachute training in Bloemfontein at 1 Parachute Battalion. After national service, I transferred to the 44 Parachute Engineering Regiment. I recall my military service as tough, but one only talks of the good times,” he explained.

Craig is part of the Parabat Veterans Organisation, which had a stand at the expo. He said their purpose was to create awareness for the organisation.

“The day was awesome. There were a lot of people who visited the expo, and quite a number of parabats stopped and had a chat. We had the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones in the area that we were not aware of. The amount of stands and the variety on the day were fabulous,” he concluded.