Grand Reception Marks Gen. Washington's 294th Birthday In Bucks Co.

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — A large crowd took advantage of Sunday’s milder temperatures to wish General George Washington a “Happy Birthday” inside the Visitor’s Center at his namesake park.

As Washington walked onto the stage inside the center's auditorium and before a painting by Emanuel Leutze of his famous crossing, the park's Fifes and Drums performed the "Coronation March," which was played in his honor as he marched through Trenton on his way to New York to become President of the United States in 1789.

As smartphones rolled and wide-eyed children watched, Washington, dressed in his striking blue and gold uniform, used a three-foot-long sword to slice through his red, white and blue birthday cake provided by the Caketeria in Newtown.

The audience cheered on the general as he shared his 294th birthday with the public and thanked youngsters for the numerous handmade birthday cards he received.

“This brings a tear to my heart to see so many people actually remember my birthday - I’ve had so many,” said the general, portrayed by John Godzieba, as he gazed out over the visitors center auditorium.

Cutting his cake. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The sounds of the fife and drum filled the auditorium. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

General Washington thanks the crowd for the grand reception. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

“Thank you for taking time out of your day to celebrate with my soldiers and me,” said Washington, flanked by members of his inner command circle and Washington Crossing’s Fifes and Drums, which serenaded the General with music from the Revolution.

“This is one of those celebrations at Washington Crossing Historic Park that’s amazing,” said Godzieba. “The crowd, the excitement, the fife and drum music and just the enjoyment of everybody here. And the immense amount of birthday cards that I received. It’s so wonderful to see the patriotism. This is a fantastic day.”

After cutting his cake, Washington invited everyone to join him for complimentary cupcakes.

Sunday’s birthday party was organized and hosted by the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park and highlighted a free day of living history and hands-on learning activities at the park.

Visitors spent the history-filled day playing Colonial games, warming up with coffee, participating in a soldiers’ drill and experiencing musket and artillery demonstrations. Visitors also learned about Colonial cooking and blacksmithing.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events at Washington Crossing Historic Park:

• Wheat and Sheep Day, April 18, from 10 to 4 p.m. Watch as the Thompson-Neely sheep are shorn of their wool and tour the grist mill at this family-friendly event. Admission is pay-as-you-go, but there is a recommended $10 fee.
• Memorial Day observation, May 24, beginning at 1 p.m.
• Living History Day, July 4, from 12 to 4 p.m. Tickets required.
• Rebels and Redcoats Classic Car Show, July 12 from 10 am to 2 pm. Free.

A musket firing demonstration on the banks of an ice-filled Delaware River. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

General Washington, portrayed by John Godzieba, on the banks of the ice-filled Delaware River. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)