George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River: A holiday tradition for fans of history

Muskets and cannon hearth most likely aren’t the normal means most Individuals affiliate their Christmas Day with however for dozens alongside the New Jersey and Pennsylvania border, it’s the good strategy to bear in mind one of the vital inspiring components of the nation’s founding.

The historic reenactment of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River is held each December in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Hundreds of spectators collect alongside the riverbank to observe reenactors row period-correct wood boats throughout the river to New Jersey.

John Godzieba, who’s portrayed Gen. Washington on the reenactment for 13 years, instructed ABC Information’ “Begin Right here” podcast the occasion is extra significant than placing on an 18th century uniform.

“We’re making an attempt to maintain historical past alive,” he stated. “It is essential to the survival of those websites and the volunteer teams that attempt to preserve them alive.”

Godzieba is a retired police officer from Philadelphia and president of the Pals of Washington Crossing Historic Park. The non-profit raises funds to maintain the park working and manages the crossing occasion yearly, weather-permitting.

“You are on the mercy of the river whether or not or not there’s sufficient water or there’s an excessive amount of water,” Godzieba stated. “I’ve crossed some years and a few years I have not crossed.”

It was a chilly Christmas in 1776 when Washington deliberate a shock assault in opposition to the British-aligned Hessians. By means of heavy sleet and snow, his Continental Military troops defied the chances and crossed the icy Delaware River in a single day from Pennsylvania to British-occupied New Jersey the place they efficiently charged Hessian outposts in Trenton.

The shock victory elevated morale and inspired reenlistments among the many patriots at a time when Washington had confronted a collection of devastating losses main as much as the crossing. It meant that Washington’s mission of securing independence from the British survived one other yr.

“Most of them could not swim,” Kathy Pasko, the registrar for the crossing and park volunteer, instructed “Begin Right here.” “They acquired on boats in the dead of night, in a blizzard, to cross a river to assault the perfect troopers on the earth. Who does that? And we have to keep in mind that. We have to educate it to the subsequent era. And for the subsequent era to study, we have to do issues like this.”

The crossing reenactment has been held for many years at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County. A whole bunch of reenactors participate in two crossings held in the course of December and on Christmas Day.

It is a familial custom for this close-knit group of hobbyists, who welcome members of the general public to get entangled.

“When one participates in one thing like this yr after yr, one seems ahead to the camaraderie, the reminiscences, and the enjoyment of a shared custom,” Stacy Roth, the chief of the Washington Crossing Fife and Drum Corps, instructed “Begin Right here.” “The friendships that I’ve with the members… and different individuals who help Washington Crossing Historic Park are shut ones that proceed year-round.”

It was raining when this yr’s first crossing was held on Dec. 11, however the climate did not dampen the spirits of the reenactors and spectators.

“We wish to be sure that it is as genuine as potential. I feel we had been lacking some sleet,” Godzieba laughed.

This report is featured on the Dec. 26 episode of “Begin Right here,” ABC Information’ every day information podcast.