The Canadian War Museum is holding a special exhibit this weekend, taking vehicles from the gallery and placing them on the demo track. “War Machines Weekend” is an annual event that let’s spectators see tanks and trucks that have helped support Canada’s military efforts throughout history in action. The event features vehicles from the Second World War all the way up to modern vehicles being supplied by the Canadian Government in Ukraine, explains Grant Vogl, who is the collections specialist for arms and technology at the museum. “Having something that comes right up to present day allows us to speak to that whole timeline of Canadian military history and show the progression of vehicles,” Vogl says. These are military vehicles that can be found on display within the museum’s tank room. Some of 3-year-old Parker Riethman’s favourite vehicles are featured in the event. His dad Damien Riethman says the family regularly comes to see them on display but this feels different. “Got family history in military,” explains Riethman. “So, it’s a big part of Canadian history. We love it and couldn’t miss War Machines, having them actually drive around.” Museum officials say the exhibit is designed to show people how the vehicles drive and operate.Museum officials also say it’s about helping people connect with history from a different perspective. Aryan Bajapi calls himself a history buff and says seeing them in action gives him something to think about. “I think I was a bit stunned,” Bajapi says. “You know, I think once you see these that are just standing still in the gallery, you don’t really get a sense of just how fast they can go.” “Even though I love looking at these military history and military vehicles, it is important to see that maybe we should be spending our money elsewhere on peace and diplomacy and learning a bit from history. But I won’t lie, it’s still very cool to see them here.” The exhibit also includes a C15AA Armoured Ambulance truck. Vogel says there were only six produced during the second world war and the one being toured is believed to be the last one in existence. Inside the museum there are also activities, including private collections on display and active members on hand to answer questions. “The War Museum is a place that tells stories. Stories about people,” says Jessica Shaw, the museums learning specialist. “Every object here represents a story. They’re not just artifacts in a building. And I think that when you get to see the vehicles in motion, it gives you that sense of history coming alive.” The event runs through Sunday with three showings at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
