Not all Christmas Days in America were quiet times of solitude with family...In the uncertain, early days of the American Revolution, when British suppression of the uprising seemed almost sure, it was a daring Christmas attack in 1776 by George Washington against a British backed garrison in Trenton, NJ that was later seen as a key turning point that galvanized sagging spirits in the colonies and showed to foreign powers the rebel army was a force to contend with.
It could be argued that America's greatest Christmas gift was Washington's against-all-odds crossing of the Delaware and victories that month in Trenton and later in Princeton.
All of this is worth remembering as well if you are in the mood to talk at the dinner table about the real meaning of Christmas.
Christmas, 1776 – Washington soundly defeats British at Trenton Suffolk County Liberty Report
9 comments:
Merry Christmas, Mr. Mayor!
The responsibility of asking more of his troops on December 25th 1776who shivered without the dry wood for fires and food enough to keep them healthy, must have weighed heavily on Washington’s mind that Christmas, a time when a winter campaign of any type was unthinkable for a British Commander like Johann Rall. These men in many cases lacked shoes and were fighting frostbite every minute of this march. Americans have been blessed by courageous leadership throughout our history and may such leadership always be present for all our welfare. To do the unthinkable and ask the impossible may be a requirement for past leadership, but it’s probably also a requirement for America’s present and future leadership as well. May our leaders always be guided by a divine and benevolent power. Merry Christmas to all who serve our country.
Middle-Class Mike
Wow, Mike. We've gotten you to identify this holiday, this Christmas thing. Now if we could get you to name this "devine and benevolent power" you speak of we'd be getting somewhere. In the spirit of getting along, you've come a long ways in just a few short days. Be careful, or you won't be allowed in to any of your usual holida get togethers.
I caught bits and pieces of “The History of Christmas” on the History channel last night.
Very interesting stuff. It sounds like Clement Clark Moore got the image of Santa started. I had always heard that Coke’s drawing was the modern version but they pointed out that Rockwell was responsible for the modern image way before the coke version.
It sounds like Christmas would not have been an important day in Washington’s time.
It is amazing that the “Haves” are the ones that pushed for the revolution when they had everything to lose. How does tax on tea compare to our modern overbearing government?
What would have happened if we did not win the war or fight it in the first place?
Things worked out for Canada. Or did they ride our coattails into independence?
Like the youngest child after the older siblings had fought their way into adulthood…for driving privileges and a turned head to indiscretions such as underage drinking. Only to marry young, into an abusive marriage, in many ways worse than the home we fought independence from.
Imagine, Mike, if when Washington had asked for more of his troops as he did in 1776, if Obama had been Prez. He could have thought about the decision for a few months as he tends to do. We'd all be speakin with that putrid limey accent and lickin British boots. But you, being a government lover, would probably have liked that outcome. Its a good thing some leaders come around at certain times in history. Were there community organizers in the 1770's?
Anon 2:39
You're totally missing the point here. Not everyone in ear shot is a practicing Christian or a member of the Catholic Church for that matter. When I address people with 'Happy Holidays', or Holiday Greetings,' I’m acknowledging the fact that although people may celebrate the holidays, they might not be interested in the Catholic Church. An example, of that is my family, where four siblings have become Universalist/Unitarians and aren’t interested in denominational greetings. Some are actually somewhat offended by them. I try to respect every ones wishes and believe in the separation of Church and State even on Christmas.
MCM
There is no separation of church and state. The state is barred from establishing a religion, but is not charged with eliminating all evidence of religion. This "separation" thing workds for an eighth grade social studies exam, but needs to be developed a bit for high school thought. It also has nothing to do with our discussion. You are one runnin' son of a gun.
Anon 12:32
Happy New Year!
MCM
Please do not wish me a "Happy New Year", Mr Mikey. That depends on your definition of when the New Year begins. I'm deeply offended that you would assume that I measure my New Year in the same manner that you measure yours. Or, as you describe your family member's feelings, I'm somewhat offended.
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