Echoes of Valor
A WWII Living History & Reenactment
April 17-19th 2026
General Admission: $5
Veterans: Free
April 17th Friday School-Day Students: Free
April 18th & 19th - Open to the Public
Echoes of Valor stands as this area of Northwest Ohio’s longest-running dedicated World War II reenactment, and one of the first events of its kind to return to the area in many years. Born from a labor of love by reenactors determined to share the stories of the Greatest Generation, the event has grown into a powerful living history experience.
Today, Echoes of Valor is presented as a joint effort between the Defiance County Historical Society and Historical Frontline Events, a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving history through immersive reenactments and education. It is now led by the same team—Jacob Kessler and Trenton Coleman—who brought the highly successful Operation Homecoming to Wauseon, Ohio.
More than just a reenactment, Echoes of Valor is a community-driven tribute that ensures the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who lived through the Second World War are never forgotten.
2026 Site Layout
Experience Echoes of Valor
Echoes of Valor returns to AuGlaize Village in 2026 with renewed energy, expanded immersion, and an even stronger focus on education and public engagement. After the cancellation of the 2025 event due to unprecedented flooding, organizers are excited to welcome visitors back with a more ambitious and carefully designed experience than ever before.
The 2025 event had been shaping up to be the largest reenactor turnout in the history of Echoes of Valor, and that same level of interest and support is carrying forward into 2026 as planning continues for a powerful return.
Step Into an Occupied European Town
From the moment visitors arrive, Echoes of Valor is designed to feel immersive and authentic.
The public entrance will place guests directly into a German occupied town in France, where they will be greeted by a manned German guard shack marking the entrance into the occupied zone and German encampment. As visitors move through the village, the environment will evolve, telling a story of occupation, resistance, and liberation.
Deeper into AuGlaize Village, guests will encounter the Allied encampment, where preparations for combat and liberation efforts are underway.
A major highlight of the weekend will be the simulated battle in the railyard, centered around a 16 foot by 8 foot communications defensive bunker. This structure will serve as a focal point for tactical demonstrations and battle reenactments, illustrating the importance of communications, infrastructure, and coordinated assaults during World War II.
Education at the Heart of the Event
Education remains a cornerstone of Echoes of Valor.
Friday will be dedicated to a School Day, welcoming public schools and homeschool groups for an education focused experience. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with reenactors, explore period equipment, and learn about World War II through immersive interpretation and demonstrations.
Saturday and Sunday will be open to the general public, offering a full weekend of living history, reenactment battles, interactive displays, and opportunities to speak one on one with reenactors portraying soldiers, medics, and civilians from the era.
Food, Amenities, and Comfort
Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options throughout the event.
The Red Barn food vendor at AuGlaize Village will be open.
The ice cream shop inside the Red Barn will be operating throughout the weekend.
Event organizers are working to add additional food options, including:
A pizza vendor
A Mexican food truck
These offerings are intended to make Echoes of Valor a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families and visitors spending several hours on site.
Explore More Than World War II
While Echoes of Valor focuses on World War II, AuGlaize Village itself offers far more to explore.
The village features a wide range of historic buildings and exhibits representing multiple periods of regional history. Visitors are encouraged to take time to explore the village grounds, tour historic structures, and experience the broader story of northwest Ohio alongside the WWII living history.
A Strong Return in 2026
Echoes of Valor 2026 represents more than just a reenactment. It is a return, a renewal, and a continued commitment to education, preservation, and immersive public history.
With expanded reenactor participation, a more developed town setting, dedicated educational programming, and enhanced visitor amenities, Echoes of Valor is poised to return stronger than originally planned.
Additional details, including event schedules and site maps, will be released as planning continues.
