The Town of Babylon has announced that the Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park is now featuring a display of World War II armor to honor our American military veterans and those who are returning from active duty. For the next six months, visitors can inspect historic weapons ranging from a 40 mm anti-aircraft gun to a reconnaissance scout car used by American forces during World War II. The display was dedicated by Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer and Town Councilwoman Jackie Gordon, who served four tours of duty overseas as a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserve.
Often on display at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, Old Bethpage Village Restoration and in parades throughout the region, these vehicles are part of military armor collections that pay tribute to every G.I. who served our country. Blumenfeld Development Group is underwriting this effort at The Arches with the support of Richard and William Mack and the Tanger Outlet at the Arches as part of its ongoing program to build educational awareness of the courage, valor and sacrifice of our armed forces.
Visitors can find the vehicles on display inside a storefront on the eastern side of the outlet complex adjacent to the Starbucks coffee café with doors open every weekend between 12 Noon and 4:00 p.m. Uniformed docents will be on hand to provide information on the vehicles and to distribute literature regarding the armor, the Airpower Museum and various events that will be taking place during the year throughout the Town of Babylon and Long Island that honor our veterans.
Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer stated, “This extraordinary tribute to our veterans creates another important educational experience for our Long Island families. I offer my thanks to Blumenfeld Development and The Arches for their commitment to making this happen. Coming face to face with the genuine artifacts of our nation’s heritage breaks through all the digital distractions that prevent us from thoroughly understanding the history of our family members. Job well done and our appreciation to Blumenfeld, the Macks and The Arches.”
Babylon Town Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon, stated, “The Arches has long been a popular gathering place for town residents, whether it has been to shop, hear a concert, ice skate, take in a movie or just stroll with your family. This new experience that honors our military only adds to the community leadership of The Arches and I would like to personally thank those who made it possible.”
David Blumenfeld, a partner at Blumenfeld Development Group, explained, “We believe we have a solemn responsibility to keep faith with those who have defended our freedoms. This dramatic display of World War II armor is a reminder to every visitor of the debt we owe those who have worn the uniform of the United States military. From an educational standpoint it connects you to a very specific time and place in our history when freedom hung in the balance.”
For the next half a year, the armor will be on view during weekends without charge to visitors. The collection also includes jeeps, a rare, pre-war weapons carrier, a quad.50 anti-aircraft battery, a general’s staff car and other vehicles from the period.