German officers surrender to U.S. soldiers during the 2022 “Operation Anvil” World War II reenactment.

Part history lesson, part pyrotechnic display and part an homage to military veterans, Operation Anvil returns to Bowling Green’s Phil Moore Park on Saturday.

The fifth annual reenactment of August 1944 battles that took place in southern France and led to the liberation of France from Nazi Germany, Operation Anvil will twice transform the large field across Scottsville Road from Phil Moore Park ballfields into a battlefield.

Skirmishes reenacting battles between German troops and Allied forces made up largely of American soldiers will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with time in between to honor military veterans in attendance.

“The whole thing we wanted to do is bring living history to the area and make sure we have an opportunity to honor all veterans who served our country,” said Ron Cummings, executive director of the Honoring our Heroes nonprofit organization that first brought the free event to Bowling Green in 2019.

Cummings said his organization tries to bring a realistic event for local residents to witness. The first four Operation Anvil events have attracted thousands of spectators who saw reenactors in authentic uniforms using genuine WWII-era equipment like the German Tiger tank that was on display last year.

“We try to be as authentic as we can,” Cummings said. “We’ll have some tanks, a German half-track and some artillery.”

Although the weapons being used will be shooting blanks, Cummings said the event can have the sound of a real battlefield.

“It does get a little loud when the tanks shoot off,” he said. “Anybody with sensitive hearing should wear ear protection.”

Between and after the battles, visitors to the event will have the opportunity to walk through the encampments of German and Allied forces, seeing the historic equipment. Food trucks and other vendors will also be on site.

Cummings expects another large contingent of reenactors for the event.

“Last year, we had 162 reenactors come from nine states,” he said. “We’ve had 108 sign up so far this year, but many people sign up late.”

While the two battles get most of the attention, Cummings said his favorite part of Operation Anvil is the opportunity to recognize military veterans and those currently serving in the military.

A recognition ceremony will take place between the two battles, starting at around 11 a.m.

Cummings said students in the Greenwood High School Junior ROTC program will present medals honoring those who have served in the military.

“We’ll have a table where veterans can sign in when they arrive,” he said. “We’ll give medals to any service member, veterans and active. Last year we had five World War II veterans. We’ll do something extra special for them.”

The recognition ceremony, Cummings said, ties in with the original purpose of Honoring our Heroes.

“The whole point of the nonprofit is to honor our veterans,” he said. “If anybody knows any World War II veterans, we’d love to have them come.”