The Second Crossing

Washington Crossing The Delaware by Peter Fiore

I watched the President’s stirring inaugural address from the quiet of a quaint Italian cafe in my hometown of Frenchtown, New Jersey. Myself, a local artist and the owner watched the historic proceedings huddled around a small rather conventional television set. Outside the streets were mostly devoid of human and vehicular traffic, due to the day’s events and the constant chilling wind that swept up from the icy waters of the Delaware River.

I was pleased that amongst the President’s profound rhetoric was a reference to George Washington and the words that he spoke prior to his fateful crossing of the Delaware to attack the Hessian position at Trenton.

“Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive … that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”

The entire staff of American Public House Review hold our first Commander-in-Chief in the highest regard, hence the abundance of references to His Excellency in past articles:

The Power of One
A Revolutionary St. Patrick’s Day In 1780
Merci Beaucoup Bon Marquis
An Historic Pint In The Old Port
A Nightcap In Newport
Arsenals Into Ale Houses
Grand Illuminations
A Favorite Haunt In New Hope
Contemplations At McConkeys
A Lovefeast For The Holiday
The Quintessential Colonial Tavern
A Respite On Rogue’s Island
A Tavern Most Genteel

There is also a past post, “Setting Sail With The Obamas” which equated his potential presidency with those events that transpired on the shores of the Delaware on Christmas Day of 1776.

Normally I tend to cringe when our elected officials hitch their political fortunes to those that founded, nutured and secured this Republic; but in this case I trust that this man’s intent and inspiration are true! So as we embark on this journey to renew the spirit and promise of 76, we at American Public House Review raise our glasses to our President, his family and the people of this great nation!