‘Washington Crossing the Delaware,’ by Emanuel Leutze. (Photo courtesy of Bill Truran)
During the holiday season, we relish our lives and should be appreciating all that we have.
There are historical figures who stood out for the sacrifices they made, which allow us to take time off, relax and enjoy ourselves.
In prior years, we looked at people suffering hardships during the holidays, such as our soldiers and sailors. Recall the story of Sussex County native Lou Cherepy Sr., who spent Christmas Eve sleeping in a muddy pigsty as a shelter from the heavy overcast and snowstorm in France during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. He remembered his church (Immaculate Conception in Franklin), wrote a poem and thought of home during his time defending the nation in World War II.
Another American we should remember during the joyous holiday season is George Washington. He is certainly known by the moniker of “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
He had shown so much maturity and wisdom in not letting his tremendous popularity get to his head. By relinquishing the presidency after two terms, he allowed the democratic process to emerge and bloom. He also encouraged succession planning, allowing others to lead.
His wartime leadership was immense. The strategic perspective that Washington performed was a success. Tactically, he did what was not expected, included bringing cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, a move that led the British to abandon Boston without a real shot.
I feel one of the great campaigns in history was Washington’s feint toward New York City while the American and French troops skirted the city and went to Yorktown, Va., to defeat General Cornwallis.
Another great surprise and successful move was his attack on the Hessians in Trenton the day after Christmas 1776.
The early results of the Revolutionary War were poor and demoralizing. There was the Battle of Bunker Hill, the defeat in Long Island, the retreat up through Manhattan and across New Jersey, and camping in harsh winter conditions in Pennsylvania with poor clothing and soldiers’ expiring contracts.
Washington showed resolve and leadership and performed an audacious move at Christmas time. He had the troops silently row across the frigid Delaware River to surprise the enemy, who were celebrating the holiday. He was successful, and the world watched, and the United States was thus on the way to full birth.
This is a wonderful historical story for us here. The event was close to where we live, crossing the same river that touches our county. It included local patriots and those who had transited our county.
It is a reminder of the sacrifices that many Americans have made to allow us the comfort of a secure life.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, enjoy the holidays and our freedom of religion during these shortest days of the year.
Bill Truran, Sussex County’s historian, may be contacted at billt1425@gmail.com