Page 42 - Discover WINTER 2022

Christmas Saved CONTINUED

an exaggerated picture, and that I have Nonplussed, Washington retreated

abundant reasons to support what I say.” to his tent. In his absence, some of the
men had festooned his tent flap with
Washington understood that his
garlands fashioned from holly and cedar,
men were not professional soldiers,
as Christmas decorations. Inspired by
and under these terrible circumstances,
this show of faith and good cheer, he
especially at Christmas time, he
snatched up the letter, and burned it in
couldn’t blame them for giving up
the fire.
hope, and in some cases, deserting.
Hearing a commotion outside, he put “May God relieve your sufferings, if

his pen down, and went outside. His Congress will not,” he announced to his
despondency had him fearing that a troops. “And a good Christmas to you!”

mutiny was at hand. What he saw he
In one tiny moment, Washington was
could scarcely believe.
inspired by the spirit and tenacity of his
There were his men, huddled together men. As the Grinch himself put it:

around fires, chatting amiably and
“It came without ribbons. It came
sharing a meal of hunted game. To his
without tags. It came without packages,
astonishment, they each hailed their
boxes or bags.”
commander with Christmas greetings,
and soon began to cheer him on. Though it was hardly a Merry

Christmas, the spirit of the holiday
“Long live the United States! Hail to
imbued in his men gave him hope
our Chief! May liberty prevail!”
and restored his confidence in his

Standing in the cold snow, wearing mission. Valley Forge is historically
neither a coat or a hat, the General regarded as the turning point of the
was moved to tears. Here were his men American Revolution. As we all know,

wrapped in blankets, many with their Washington’s Army was ultimately
feet wrapped in rags, and they were successful in turning back the world’s
cheering him on. mightiest empire, and establishing the

greatest nation that this world has ever
He finally spoke, inquiring of his men
seen.
whether they hadn’t already suffered

enough. And that, boys and girls, is how
Christmas saved America.
One lieutenant spoke up. “Having

come this far, we can go but the rest of
the distance.”

40 Discover Smith Mountain Lake WINTER 2021