Memorial Day

There’s no better place to spend Memorial Day Weekend than Washington Crossing Historic Park! As we welcome in the beginning of summer, we also take time to honor the soldiers – past and present – who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We hope to see you at one or more of the events we have planned.

Jazz Concert on the Riverbank

Looking for an excuse to get outside on a beautiful spring evening? The Friends of Washington Crossing Park (PA) and the historic Newtown Theatre are teaming up to present a free outdoor jazz concert on Saturday, May 25 from 6 to 8 PM. The concert will be held on the banks of the Delaware River near the park’s Visitor Center.

The featured jazz artist this year is Calli Graver. Graver’s love for jazz, classical and pop helped shape the genre-bending sound heard in her original music today. Her newest album, “The Sun’s In My Eyes,” produced by Ben O’Neil (John Legend, Jill Scott), was released in September 2022 to critical acclaim. The album accompanies fans on their day-to-day journeys, exploring sophisticated writing and musicianship from her band with warmth, nostalgia, and plain ol’ fun.

Rita’s Ice will be available onsite. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic dinner, chairs, and blankets. Alcohol is not permitted in the state park. Four-legged friends are welcome but must be leashed and under control at all times.  No registration is required for this free concert. Rain date is Monday, May 27 at the same time.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Washington Crossing Historic Park will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday, May 26 at 1 PM. The event will be held at The Revolutionary War Soldiers Gravesite behind the Thompson Neely House located at 1638 River Rd, New Hope, PA 18938. The observation will include a colonial color guard, fife and drum music, Revolutionary War reenactors, veterans, and other honored guests.

Major General (R) Wesley E. Craig, Jr. will be our Keynote Speaker. His major Federal military decorations include: the Army Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (fourth award); Army Commendation Medal (second award); Army Achievement Medal; and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (fifth award). He is a member of the US Army National ROTC Hall of Fame, inducted in 2016. His major National Guard awards include the Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal; North Carolina Distinguished Service Medal; Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal (second award); Pennsylvania Service Ribbon (ninth award); and two Governor’s Meritorious Unit Citations.

American flags will be placed on the graves. The gravesite marks the resting place of soldiers who died during the Continental army’s December 1776 encampment in Bucks County. Although no Americans were killed during the Delaware River crossing and the First Battle of Trenton, some soldiers succumbed to exposure, disease or previous injuries. Captain-Lieutenant Moore is the only veteran buried in this plot whose identity is known.