Bucks County Marks George Washington’s 284th Birthday

The irony of Sunday’s birthday celebration for revered Revolutionary War general and first President George Washington was that the he likely wouldn’t have attended if he was still alive.

Washington, who would turn 284 years old on Monday, was a humble man and one who likely would not have attended a public celebration in his honor, said John Godzieba, who portrayed Washington at the state park named in his honor.

“He might have gone if it was by friends but he wasn’t comfortable with crowds,” Godzieba said.

More than 400 people filled the Upper Makefield park and visitors center during Sunday’s spring-like weather to take in the history and celebrate one of the nation’s founding fathers.

Godzieba and his fellow reenactors, all of whom were dressed in period attire, walked through the visitors center greeting children and adults. The kids took a particular liking to Godzieba dressed as Washington.

Daniel Rosta of Fallsington was dressed in his Revolutionary War-style garb when he met Washington. The youngster said he really likes Washington and the myth of him chopping down the cherry tree as a boy.

Using a custom-crafted saber, Godzieba sliced into a birthday cake for the first president. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed sweet treats and toured the park.

Demonstrations by reenactors filled the portion of the park that sits near where Washington and his men crossed the icy Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton on the morning of December 26.

“I really like seeing Washington, and I really liked seeing the cannon go off,” Florence, New Jersey resident Joey Reeves, 9, said. “It was like ‘BOOM.'”

The park drew both locals and those from far away to the annual celebration.

Newly weds Andrew and Sara, who both declined to give their last names joking saying they feared retaliations from the Hessians, traveled from the Scranton area to see attend the festivities.

“We figured it was such an important part of our history. I’ve always been interested in the history of our nation and battles like this sparked me to become a American history teacher,” Andrew said.

Godzieba, who works as Bristol Township police commander, showed off some of the many birthday cards sent to Washington this year by local school children. He said the birthday celebration is mainly for the kids.

Hopewell, New Jersey resident Stanley Saperstein, who portrayed Washington aid Benjamin Flower, said he gets involved to keep the history alive.

After attending the celebration at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Godzieba jumped in a car and headed to another celebration for Washington in Bristol.