By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Visitors to the Confederate Memorial Park on July 21 can step back in time as the 33rd Alabama Infantry re-enactors spend the day living as Confederate soldiers would have lived during the American Civil War.

The group of re-enactors will spend the day practicing drills, reviewing the manual of arms and doing other things infantrymen would have done between battles. These displays will be open to the public for free from 9-11 a.m. and 1 3 p.m.

“The re-enactors, they drill just like the soldiers would have,” Calvin Chappelle of Confederate Memorial Park said.

He said the 33rd Alabama Infantry is a local group of re-enactors that stays in the on-site barracks several times a year.

During this time, they train on the proper way to use rifles, muskets and other equipment in line with the manual of arms.

Chappelle said the event offers the public an in-depth look at the life of a soldier. Re-enactors can also answer questions about what clothes they wore, what they ate and what kind of music they listened to.

“It is also a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in the re-enacting hobby,” Chappelle said.

Re-enactors will be able to tell those who are interested how to get started.

Some of the members of the local group also often portray Union troops — the Sixth Indiana Infantry.

For those wanting to visit the on-site museum during their visit, cost is $4, $3 for seniors and $1 for children 6 years old and older. Children under 6 years old are free.

Confederate Memorial Park is located at 437 County Rd. 63 in Marbury near Verbena.