The "New" Valley Forge

For over 200 years, Valley Forge has held a special significance to the American people. The national historical park commemorates the winter of 1777-1778, when George Washington and the Continental Army camped there to keep an eye on the British Army in the captured capital of Philadelphia. The National Park Service highlights ten stops on its tour of the encampment. Let us share a few of the "new" historical highlights of that tour.

Stop 2 - Muhlenberg Brigade: In 1777-1778, the soldiers worked tirelessly to build 12 man huts for shelter from the winter's cold rain. The conditions in camp were difficult and many men succumbed to disease and lack of food. In 2006, Colin succumbed to boredom brought on by the ramblings of Ranger Peter.

Stop 3 - National Memorial Arch: In 1917, the arch was dedicated, commemorating the "patience and fidelity" of the soldiers who wintered at Valley Forge. In 2006, the arch was rededicated to Colin's parents who, upon failure of the pack 'n play as a crib, showed patience and fidelity as bed rails for their son's new king sized bed.

Stop 8 - Artillery Park: In 1777-1778, gun crews were trained and drilled here. In the event of an attack, the cannon could be dispatched from this central location to wherever they were needed. In 2006, the diaper crews have been trained and drilled as well. The attack came at Washington's Headquarters. The diapers and wipes were dispatched quickly and the olfactory casualties were limited.

The men of the Continental Army emerged from their six month stay with renewed vigor. The training they received and the alliance with France filled them with confidence as they marched out to meet the British in June of 1778. The tide of the war began to turn and the Continental Army was of course, ultimately victorious in the fight for independence. To the men who endured at Valley Forge and to the parents of all infants taking their first trip away from home, we toast in your honor.