Re-enactors follow Washington's path

The reality of the original crossing wasn't anything like the famous painting.
WASHINGTON CROSSING, N.J. (AP) -- The annual re-enactment of Gen. George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River was a family affair this year.
The man who portrayed the general Monday was joined by his son and daughter as they and about 100 other re-enactors paid tribute to the daring Revolutionary War attack that began on Christmas 1776.
Washington was played by Robert V. Gerenser, 53, who has taken part in the re-enactment since the 1980s, rising from a private and serving as the general in 1997 and 1999.
A history buff, Gerenser, of New Hope, Pa., crossed with his 15-year-old daughter, Kiersten, as his ensign, or flag-bearer, on the boat. His son, Robert Vincent Gerenser Jr., 21, an actual Army lieutenant, served in a shore-based artillery unit.
As Gerenser inspected his troops on the Pennsylvania side before the crossing, his words could be heard by several thousand spectators courtesy of a microphone on his blue uniform coat.
He reminded the crowd that in 1776 Washington had not won a battle since August and his troops lacked many necessities.
Unlike Washington, a Virginian, Gerenser grew up along the Delaware River in New Hope, where his parents started a well-known ice cream shop 60 years ago.
He also is a captain on river tours, relaying its history to passengers on ferry boat rides. "That's how I got into portraying Washington," Gerenser said last week.
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