Delaware River Crossing Commemorative Event, December 10, 2023

When on December 25th of 1776, the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army General George Washington, crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania into New Jersey on his way to rout the Hessians in Trenton, he did so in poor weather conditions, with poorly clothed troops and with poor visibility under cover of darkness. On December 10, 2023, two hundred and forty seven -(247) years later he did so again, this time in the fog and the rain, but with a sideline of onlookers properly dressed for the occasion complete with umbrellas, raincoats, cell phone cameras, pizza, and refreshments, but no less excited to watch this incredibly iconic event proceed.

At a location about 1500 feet north of that tiny Delaware River vehicle bridge that collects side view mirrors thanks to its narrow width, a few hundred onlookers stood in the rain on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the river and watched the dense fog obscure the river from view just as General Washington and his troops descended its banks and entered the Durham boats. Watching this reenactment, and knowing how the momentum of the war was proceeding up to this point, leaves an onlooker in awe of the fortitude and audacity that led to the decision to strike the enemy this way. The reenactment is a sight that every American should see at some point in their life, given its significance on the outcome of the Revolutionary War. Fortunately, as if scripted by film writers, the fog cleared enough to make the crossing visible for the audience and safe for the reenactors.

United States Marine Corp Major General Jason Q. Bohm served as narrator for the crossing reenactment and prepared the crowd with background information on the crossing and ensuing battle and led the crowd in the proper guttural shout, that distinctive Marine battle cry, “Oorah”. Secretary General of the Sons of the American Revolution Darryl S. Addington was also in attendance, accompanied by his wife Mary and State Historian and Princeton Cranbury Chapter President Roger Williams, as well as members of the NJSSAR Color Guard.  Earlier in the day, Secretary-General Addington, Roger Williams, and members of the NJSSAR Color Guard participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Trenton Battle Monument. When I asked the Secretary-General about the significance of the crossing and the battle, he stated “ This battle was a major turning point of the war. General George Washington provided, by this battle, great moral support to the people and to congress, and proved that he could lead the army to victory and the colonies to freedom.”

by Bob Fischer, Newsletter Editor