As decades pass, memories fade; however, Matthew Wach, freshman, wants to make sure that history is not forgotten.

About three years ago, Wach became apart of the 502nd Reenacting Group Baker Company. According to Wach, the company brings the history to life, which helps to grab the attention of everyone watching.

“[The organization] helps keep history alive and keeps the people in this generation [learning] what really went down and what happened in World War II,” Wach said. “We set up camps for the public and we have battles as well as medical simulations. We also do ten mile marches for veterans.”

Wach’s passion for re-enacting the events that occured in World War II was originally sparked by his grandfather’s stories.

“[My grandfather] used to talk to me about the stories that his brother used to share with him when he was in World War II,” Wach said. “My friend actually ended up finding these reenactments and we started going [to the reenactment sites] and I [started] my collection.”

Wach’s passion has also pushed him to form new relationships with the people in his World War II reenactment groups, as well.

“The Sergeant in our reenactment group is a close friend of mine,” Wach said. “[My] other friend, Casper, is also close to me. They are like brothers.”

Wach continues to pursue his passion for the World War II reenactment group with the encouragement of friends and family.

“My dad and a lot of the people in our company encourage [me] to [be apart of the reenactment group]. It is good for veterans [to join] too and just being there [to experience] the whole thing,” Wach said. “A lot of veterans join to have that brotherhood and [to do] good [things] for the public.”