Sat Dec 19, 1:00 pm

December is a special month for students and enthusiasts of military history. Three very significant events that shook the world all shared in common the element of surprise: Washington‘s Crossing of the Delaware River, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of the Bulge.

In 1776, one of the most desperate commanders of all time, General George Washington took one last bold gamble before his battered, tattered and demoralized army disintegrated completely. Washington was inspired to seize the initiative by crossing the swollen, ice choked Delaware River on Christmas Eve and attack the cream of European soldiery, German mercenaries who defended the town of Trenton, New Jersey. Washington’s gamble changed the fortunes of war for the infant United States and helped to earn our first commander-in-chief his place in history.

One hundred and sixty five years later the Japanese took advantage of America‘s unpreparedness and reluctance to enter World War II to launch a surprise attack on U.S. naval and air bases at Pearl Harbor and three years later, the Germans took a form of belated revenge on Washington when they used the element of surprise to launch the Battle of the Bulge during one of the coldest December‘s northern Europe has seen in years.

One of the participants in the Battle of the Bulge was twenty year old, private first class Anthony Pignataro, serving in the American 99th Division. The wartime experiences of Mr. Pignataro inspired the pursuit of a life long interest in history and historical reenacting on the part of his son, Anthony, Jr.

Tony Pignataro and fellow history enthusiast, Al Ronzoni invite you to participate in what they hope will be a fascinating Saturday afternoon that will include dramatic and documentary video presentations with discussion to follow on these three memorable events in American history. Especially welcome are veterans of World War II and/or their family members who would like to share their own stories at the event.