Another Christmas Memory

[Annie]

Caught my fancy:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051226/ap_on_re_us/washington_s_crossing

Re-Enactors Succeed in Delaware Crossing

By JEFFREY GOLD, Associated Press Writer Sun Dec 25,10:53 PM ET

WASHINGTON CROSSING, N.J. - Hundreds of spectators along the Delaware River saw the first complete re-enactment since 2001 of Gen. George Washington's historic crossing.
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Unlike the past three attempts, when days of precipitation pushed water levels and speeds above safety levels, this Christmas presented a more placid route from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.

Jim Gibson, portraying Washington in a full uniform replete with sword and peaked cap, and about 60 of his fellow re-enactors made it across in two longboats just as a raw mist became a steady rain.

"Rain doesn't stop us," said Gibson, 53, of Fallsington, Pa., who has been part of the re-enactment for 15 years. "We do these things in all sorts of weather."

The actual crossing took place in the dark, in driving sleet, starting on Christmas night 1776 and finishing early the next day. The sentries' passwords: "Victory or death."

The army went on to key victories in Trenton and Princeton, reversing the declining fortunes of the Continental Army.

 

[Abbey Normal]

Caught my fancy:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051226/ap_on_re_us/washington_s_crossing

We live close enough to this to attend, and shame on us, never have. Like all of our armed forces, they were truly brave heroes, who sacrifice so much so we can live in freedom.

Thanks for the article, Kathianne.