Join George Washington and the Continental Army on the banks of the Raritan River for a live reenactment with cannon fire and a musket salute just like the one that took place nearby on July 4th 1778, in celebration of the second anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
FREE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
To view the flyer, click here.
July 4 schedule and information
12pm
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Fife & Drum
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1pm
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Von Steuben
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2pm
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George Washington
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3pm
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Cannon Demonstration
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3-5pm
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Mark Heter Band
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4pm
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Cannon Demonstration
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5pm
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Fue de joie
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Fife & Drum music
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben, also referred to as Baron von Steuben, was a Prussian military officer who played a leading role in the American Revolutionary War by reforming the Continental Army into a disciplined and professional fighting force. Hear him speak about his life and coming to America and molding the Continental Army into a formidable force.
George Washington spent more time in New Jersey than in any other state, establishing dozens of headquarters here during the course of the war. In fact, New Jersey saw nearly 600 battles and skirmishes, which involved both soldier and citizen in a daily struggle to survive. Join General Washington as he reminisces about his brightest and darkest moments in the fight for independence.
Patriotic Music by the Mark Heter Band
Feu de Joie (Fire of Joy) - Excerpt of “General Orders, 4 July 1778,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-16-02-0020. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 16, 1 July–14 September 1778, ed. David R. Hoth. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2006, pp. 19–20.]
At 3 pm a Cannon will fire at the Park as a signal for the troops to be put under Arms and formed ready to march
At 4 pm another signal Cannon for the Right to march by the Right over the Bridge to the Ground which shall be shewn them to form on—At 4:30 pm a third signal Cannon for the Left Wing to march by the Right and follow the Right Wing.
At 5 pm a signal for the second Line to form. Afterwards, upon a signal by order of the Commander in Chief, thirteen Pieces of Cannon will be discharged, after which a single Cannon which will be a signal for a runing fire to begin on the right of the Army and be continued to the left with Musquetry and Cannon. At the Conclusion of which, on a signal three Cheers will be given, “Perpetual and undisturbed Independence to the United States of America.”
