The First Christmas in America

The First Christmas in America

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM

December 19, 2005

In December of 1776 no one knew that America was about to become a great nation. Instead, just six months after the Declaration of Independence things were not going well for George Washington and the Continental army. Many soldiers did not have shoes, much less muskets.

Cold, hungry, under-equipped and with more despair than hope; the easy thing to do would have been to quit. Instead Washington and his generals came up with a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers in Trenton on Christmas night. As the enemies' mercenaries enjoyed their holiday with food and drink, Washington and his men quietly prepared to cross the Delaware River.

Within two hours of the battle's beginning, Washington and his men had achieved complete surprise and captured 900 Hessians. The news of a great victory at Trenton and then Princeton spread through the country. There were still many more battles to be fought and won, but for the first time many Americans were beginning to believe that freedom was within reach.

As we prepare to celebrate America's 229th Christmas our soldiers are once again fighting for freedom over tyranny. There is no doubt that if our soldiers were not battling in towns like Baghdad and Fallujah, then cities like New York and Washington would be the battleground.

Our enemies wish us harm. The very notion of Christmas is offensive to them. God bless the brave men and women overseas who have given up this important day and many others to ensure that you and I can have a safe and Merry Christmas.

http://www.house.gov/graves/straighttalk/2005issue51.htm