Money Matters, Simplified.
Funds and volunteers help reenact historic 1776 Christmas
by Samia Sehgal - December 26, 2009 - comments
John Godzieba and his soldiers going across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey
Harrisburg, PA, December 26 -- George Washington’s historic act of passing across the Delaware River into New Jersey during the Christmas of 1776 was re-enacted successfully this year after a Pennsylvania company offered a donation of $400,000 for the annual event.
Pennsylvania residents turn up in huge numbers every year to watch the re-enactment of 1776 act, when the Continental army made its way across the Delaware River, taking the British forces by surprise and eventually turning around the course of the revolutionary war.
It was important, say the historians, and significant enough to be re-enacted on Christmas, year after year by Bucks County residents who know how to value their history and celebrate the achievements made in the past. The voyage across the river by George Washington and his troops has almost become a part of the Christmas traditions of Pennsylvania people.
Hardships for history
However, in the face of adversity--high water, strong winds and lack of funds, making this journey across the Delaware River was becoming difficult. But the 57th annual Christmas Crossing finally saw some success with help from local officials, volunteers and residents, who decided to honor their history like it should be.
It was looking implausible, after the $7 million cut in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, under which all the historic sites of Pennsylvania operate.
Budget woes led to an announcement on Nov. 20 that the park had to be closed and Washington’s historic act canceled.
Resurrection relieves residents
The news raised an alarming concern among the citizens, who wanted to keep up with the history and decided to collect fund for the same.
Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau pitched in some assistance and helped restore the popular event.
William Haas, vice president of the bureau, said that the event must be kept on as "this is an enormous marketing and tourism site" that shouldn’t fade away.
With people volunteering from all sides, the event, which usually costs $35,000 to $40,000, was estimated to cost about half this year.
Technology manufacturer Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., which has a facility in Pennsylvania, brought some Christmas cheer for the residents by donating $400,000 so the park can remain open. Also, the company pledged a five-year commitment for the maintenance and operations of the park, by presenting volunteer support from thousands of its employees.
With all the help, John Godzieba, disguised as the general, took his soldiers in three boats across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, much to the joy of the residents.