Washington's crossing goes ahead

WASHINGTON CROSSING, N.J. George Washington has made his annual Christmas trip across the Delaware River.

The 61st annual reenactment of Washington's daring 1776 crossing - the trek that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War - was staged Wednesday afternoon on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border.

The river crossing went off without a hitch, a welcome change from recent years, when poor weather and high water prevented the crossings. On those occasions, the reenactors instead walked across a bridge.

Hundreds braved the harsh weather Wednesday to watch the three boats make the crossing from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and hear Washington's stand-in deliver stirring words to the troops. John Godzieba, president of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park's board of directors, thanked the crowd for its interest and support.

"Thanks for staying out here and waiting for us to cross," said Godzieba, who played Washington. "I know it's cold, but I appreciate your patience."

At the conclusion of the event, Godzieba and his troops marched back to Pennsylvania, making the trip on foot across the bridge.

During the crossing 237 years ago, boats ferried 2,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 18 cannons across the river, and the troops marched eight miles downriver before battling Hessian mercenaries in the streets of Trenton. Thirty Hessians were killed, and two Continental soldiers froze to death on the march, but none died in battle.