Hammontree Brings George Washington to Life at Veterans Appreciation Celebration
Local historian recounts the desperate Delaware River crossing and reminds the crowd that “freedom is not free”
ASHLAND — General George Washington stepped out of the pages of American history during Ashland County’s 2026 Veterans Appreciation celebration as local historian Kenneth Hammontree delivered a stirring portrayal of the nation’s first commander in chief.
Dressed as Washington and speaking in character, Hammontree transported those gathered back to the darkest days of the American Revolution, when the Continental Army was poorly supplied, badly outnumbered and struggling to survive against the powerful British military.
Following an introduction by Katie Hopek, Hammontree entered with a patriotic greeting: “Good afternoon, fellow patriots.”
His presentation centered on Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 and the Continental Army’s surprise attack on Hessian forces at Trenton the following morning.
Hammontree described an army short on food, uniforms, blankets, ammunition and even shoes. Washington, appointed commander in chief by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, had been given the enormous responsibility of transforming short-term militia units into a force capable of challenging one of the world’s most powerful empires.
“He was always the amateur against the professional,” Hopek said during the introduction, describing Washington as the leader of a dwindling army facing well-paid and well-supplied British troops.
Despite losing a series of battles around New York, Washington understood that preserving the Continental Army was essential. If the army were destroyed, Hammontree explained, the Declaration of Independence would be little more than words on paper.
Speaking as Washington, Hammontree recalled ordering copies of the Declaration to be read aloud to the soldiers so they would understand what they were fighting to protect.
“I wanted them to know this is what they were fighting for — the break from England,” Hammontree said. “But if my army was destroyed, the Declaration of Independence would be meaningless.”
With enlistments expiring and morale fading, Washington and his officers developed an audacious plan: cross the ice-filled Delaware River during a winter storm, march approximately nine miles and launch a surprise attack against the Hessian garrison at Trenton.
Hammontree described troops climbing into Durham boats as rain turned to sleet and snow. Large pieces of ice moved through the river as soldiers used swords and poles to keep the boats clear.
Still, they continued.
“And yet, my men — no one turned back,” Hammontree said.
The presentation also brought moments of humor to the otherwise grave account. Hammontree joked about the famous painting depicting Washington standing heroically in a boat while crossing the Delaware.
“In reality, I was in the bottom of that Durham boat, safe and dry,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
By approximately 2 a.m. on Dec. 26, Washington’s troops and artillery had crossed the river. After a brief rest, the exhausted soldiers began their march toward Trenton, many wrapping their feet in cloth because they had no shoes.
The Continental forces attacked shortly after 8 a.m. The victory at Trenton, followed by another American success at Princeton, revived morale and helped demonstrate that the fight for independence could continue.
Hammontree described the victories as a turning point that strengthened the American cause and eventually helped bring greater French support to the Revolution.
While the historical presentation focused on Washington and the Continental Army, Hammontree concluded by connecting their sacrifices to the veterans honored during Ashland County’s celebration.
He directed attention toward the visiting World War II memorial and its field of gold stars, along with the words displayed there: “Here marks the price of freedom.”
“Freedom is not free,” Hammontree told the crowd. “And as we dedicate this day to our veterans of every war, of every rank, of every army, may we never forget what our veterans have done for us.”
He closed his portrayal with a message that captured the purpose of the entire celebration.
“God bless our veterans,” Hammontree said. “God bless the United States of America.”
