With more than 800 re-enactors participating Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22-23, the annual World War II Days at Rockford’s Midway Village Museum is the largest event of its kind in the country. German SS troops (pictured) get inspected before the mock battle. (Photo by Jon McGinty)

A German infantryman occupies his post in a foxhole (sign reads “Swing dancing forbidden!”). (Photo by Jon McGinty)

a German assault gun tries to maneuver through the village streets. (Photo by Jon McGinty)

the crowd watches as a scratch-built replica of a German heavy-armored car enters the battlefield. (Photo by Jon McGinty)

a couple portraying a German officer and his Fräulein pose for photos. (Photo by Jon McGinty)

A U.S. Army medic hurries onto the battlefield. (Photo by Jon McGinty)

A young soldier gets a driving lesson in a stationary Jeep. (Photo by Jon McGinty)