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WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. (AP) — George Washington and his troops made their annual Christmas Day trip across the fog-covered Delaware River.
The re-enactors crossed the river between Pennsylvania and New Jersey on a 65-degree day Friday, considerably warmer than the actual crossing, which took place on an ice-choked river during a snowstorm.
The annual Christmas tradition drew families and fans of history to both sides of the Delaware River for the 63rd annual re-enactment of Washington's daring 1776 crossing of the river — the trek that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War — between Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, and Titusville, New Jersey.
John Godzieba portrayed Washington, leading troops in replica Durham boats across the river, where they were met with cries of "Hoozah!" and a canon blast.
During the original crossing, boats ferried 2,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 18 cannons across the river. Washington's troops marched 8 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.
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