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While today is Christmas, something happened in New Jersey over 238 years ago and it was revolutionary- George Washington and his brave men crossed the Delaware River to attack the city of Trenton New Jersey. Well it was probably the most important event in the Revolutionary War. The crossing of the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey in the middle of a very nasty winter storm to attack the Hessians at Trenton was a pivotal battle that kept the battle for freedom alive. If it had not happened we still might be part of the British Empire.

Today contingents of reenactors are recreating this amazing feat which they have been doing for many decades and it is well worth seeing. I should know as my family went to see it when I was a teenager and it was something to see.

What made this crossing most remarkable is that while the troops under Washington were able to make it across the river, there were supposed to be crossings just south of Trenton and near Bristol Pennsylvania, both of which did not come off. You have to envision the Delaware River with large blocks of ice flowing southward with the current and men in boats meant to haul iron ore, they were Durham boats which had high sides and a shallow draft, being poled across the river in the middle of a nor’easter. The men were not well equipped nor had the enthusiasm to make the crossing and attack Trenton. After all their enlistments were almost up and they were very dispirited.

The attack went off without any casualties for the American troops and Washington’s reputation soared. They went on back across the river and then in the new year they attacked Princeton and again prevailed. These remarkable feats are both being reenacted and are well worth seeing in my opinion.

So if you can not make the reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware River today, you still can catch the attack on Princeton which happens on January 2nd.

New Jersey truly is the “Crossroads of the American Revolution” and most people living here do not know that many important events happened right here in the Garden State. So why not get out today and join the attack on Trenton and then go see the attack on Princeton. The saying “Those who fail to remember the mistakes of the past, are doomed to repeat them” is quite true and we all must thank these reenactors for reminding us about these pivotal events in American history.

I could go on and on about the many things that happened in this great state, but alas I fear that you the reader might become bored. So I have written all I am on this subject, at least for now.

May you and yours enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I pray for peace to break out and for understanding to take hold.

That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike