Historic military vehicles, World War II reenactors, period music, and spectators filled Downtown Reading on Friday as the annual World War II Mid-Day Parade officially launched the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s 35th Annual World War II Weekend.
The parade traveled through the 500 block of Penn Street before concluding with a ceremony in Penn Square, where local officials, community leaders, and living history participants reflected on the sacrifices of those who served during World War II.
Serving as master of ceremonies, Jim Swope, coordinator and founder of World War II Weekend reflected on Berks County’s role in World War II, noting that thousands of local residents served in the armed forces and that hundreds made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict.
Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach welcomed visitors and noted that the Reading Regional Airport recently adopted the address “24 Liberator Way,” a tribute to the B-24 Liberator aircraft associated with the airport’s World War II history.
Commissioner Michael Rivera said he met visitors from across the country who traveled to Berks County specifically because of the region’s World War II heritage and encouraged attendees to explore Reading while visiting for the weekend.
Commissioner Dante Santoni said the event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II and the freedoms they helped preserve.
Representing Mayor Eddie Moran, Chief of Staff English Bradley welcomed visitors to Downtown Reading and described the parade as a cherished city tradition and the unofficial start of the summer event season. Bradley highlighted upcoming downtown events, including First Friday block parties, FIFA World Cup fan zone celebrations, and a planned Color and Art Fest later this summer.
Reading City Council President Donna Reed told attendees they were gathered at the “historical heart” of Reading and Berks County, recalling how Penn Square served as a gathering place during significant moments in American history, including celebrations marking the end of World War II. She encouraged attendees to connect with one another while honoring veterans and active-duty service members.
Councilman Chris Miller praised the reenactors who participate each year, saying their dedication helps educate younger generations about the realities of wartime service and the sacrifices made by veterans. He noted that events such as the parade are increasingly important as fewer people have personal connections to those who served during World War II.
Following remarks from local officials, the ceremony shifted into a living history presentation featuring reenactors portraying prominent World War II military leaders, including Admiral Chester Nimitz, Admiral Raymond Spruance, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, General George S. Patton, and a young Lt. John F. Kennedy. The reenactors delivered speeches from the perspective of 1944 military leaders, recounting key moments from the war and the lead-up to the D-Day invasion.
The parade serves as the traditional kickoff to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend, one of the nation’s largest living history events. The three-day event continues through Sunday at Reading Regional Airport and features historic aircraft, military vehicles, reenactments, educational displays, and entertainment celebrating the World War II era.
