Of all the gifts we may receive this season, it is not an exaggeration to say that as Americans, the greatest gift was delivered 234 years ago tomorrow night. That is when George Washington crossed the Delaware River and led his cold and hungry, but dedicated soldiers in an attack against Hessian mercenaries in Trenton, New Jersey. This battle turned the tide of the Revolution, ultimately leading to an American victory--and our freedom.
It is easy to forget that moments from so long ago touch us directly. I would venture to guess that most Americans think of the famous painting of Washington standing in a Durham boat, but don't know why he was crossing the Delaware or about the battle that followed. We need to take a moment on Christmas night and put ourselves in one of those boats . . . A nor'easter is sweeping in bringing with it rain that turns to sleet that turns to snow . . . men who had been soundly defeated and driven from New York and across New Jersey are undertaking a mission based solely on their faith in their commander . . . they are allowed no fires when they disembark lest they alert the Hessians of their presence; two men freeze to death on the march . . . they are behind schedule . . . and somehow, those 2,400 men achieve a victory that alters all of human history. The chills do not proceed from the imagined cold, but from the reality of their accomplishment.
Take a moment and give thanks to George Washington and his soldiers. Among other things, they gave us the freedom to celebrate Christmas.
For a thorough discussion and excellent read, check out David Hackett Fischer's Washington's Crossing. Fischer examines not only the battle, but its historic legacy. I highly recommend it.
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