by Al Pisano, State Chair Back to Articles Page
December 12, 2008
With Christmas approaching I have been thinking about the purpose for this Season. The Bible states that Jesus was born so he could die on a cruel cross for the Salvation of mankind. This was an act of supreme sacrifice. What does Christmas have to do with the title of this article? Well I have been thinking about one Christmas in American history that has been relegated to the dust bin of our history.
Christmas Day, 1776, George Washington was faced with the reality that the American Revolution was about to end in failure. His army was little more than 2,000 men. Many of these soldiers were little more than boys. They were cold, hungry, wet and sick with very little ammunition and proper provisions. Washington himself sacrificed a prosperous life under the authority of the British Crown to lead this rag tag army of farmers against the greatest military power on earth at that time. He personally financed a large part of this army. His army was being pursued relentlessly by the British and had narrowly escaped across (100) the Delaware River from New Jersey into Pennsylvania. Many of his soldiers who had served honorably were about to be discharged from service in Six (6) days. Washington had to take a chance and in a bold move. He ferried more than 2,000 soldiers across the treacherous and ice filled Delaware River during the night of Christmas Day in small row boats, only to reach the other side and then to march nine (9) miles to Trenton N.J.. What was waiting for these men at Trenton? Only 1,200 Hessian mercenary soldiers. These were considered to be the most ruthless, brutal and well trained soldiers in the world. The Continental Army was victorious in this important battle and against any reason and odds; the Continentals did not loose one soldier. This act of self sacrifice changed the course of the Revolution. These men did not need to do this. Washington was advised to surrender and was promised good treatment by the Crown. The soldiers were of no individual interest to the Crown and they could have waited out the six (6) days until they were to be discharged and go back to their former lives. The only explanation is that they believed in a cause that was larger then themselves. They were fighting tyranny and oppression. They were fighting for their lives and the futures of their children and posterity. Here is the question to you: Are you willing to follow the example of patriotism and sacrifice that was set by Washington and his Continental soldiers? Will you be a true patriot and sacrifice for the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Rule of law? Do not wait until it is too late. Get involved now.
© Al Pisano, 2009. Al Pisano is the State Chairman of the Constitution Party of North Carolina.