WASHINGTON CROSSING PARK, Pa. – Thousands gathered here Dec. 7 to witness the full dress rehearsal for the 62nd annual re-enactment of Gen. George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution.
Serving as narrator for the event was Maj. Gen. Margaret W. Boor, commanding general of the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.
“At that time, the Army was made up of Continental Soldiers and militia, just as today’s Total Force is often comprised of active-duty and reserve component Soldiers serving side-by-side,” Boor said.
The event was hosted by the Washington Crossing Foundation and featured hundreds of volunteers from the Washington Crossing Re-enactors Society portraying Gen. Washington and his troops, as well as everyday 18th century citizens participating in colonial-era activities and demonstrations throughout the park’s historic village.
One of the re-enactors was Army Reserve Ambassador Larry Rubini, Army Reserve ambassador for Pennsylvania.
“There are two opportunities to view the re-enactment,” Rubini explained. “During the [Dec. 7] dress rehearsal, troops row across the river in uniform just as they do during the annual Christmas Day crossing. It’s a great way to see the re-enactment if you can’t make it on Christmas Day.”
Washington’s nighttime river crossing on Christmas Eve in 1776 led to success at the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Day and is often credited with sustaining the war effort after several routs in New York and a colonial retreat across New Jersey.
“The Continental Army and militia’s legacy of proud and honorable service lives on within the brave men and women who wear the uniform today,” Boor said. “Today’s service members are carrying the torch that was first lit nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago when our newly formed nation fought for freedom from rule without representation.”
“Let us honor and remember those who, generation after generation, have given their lives in defense of our nation,” she continued, “so that we may enjoy the blessings of liberty.”