Here's a (belated) update from Dr. James Bearington about his time in the Philadelphia area --
Even though his next step is Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. James Bearington took time out from his busy travel schedule to stop by Valley Forge National Historical Park just outside Philadelphia. Valley Forge was an important place in American history. From December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, George Washington's Continental Army (approximately 12,000 troops) was encamped at Valley Forge. The winter at Valley Forge was a turning point in the American Revolution. The winter was difficult, and soldiers had to ensure a cold, snowy winter as their food and supplies ran out -- but it was also a time of retraining and rejuvenation. While at Valley Forge, General Washington's troops were trained by Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a German soldier who wanted to help America defeat the British. Von Steuben's professional military training program are considered key to the success of the Continental Army and marks a turning point in the Revolutionary War, when citizens became true soldiers.
Dr. Bearington took time to think about what great sacrifices were made by ordinary Americans. He saw a life-size statue of George Washington, visited an actual hut used by soldiers during the winter, and saw the monument dedicated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the memory of soldiers who served at Valley Forge. He is excited about his next stop on his trip but he had a great time in Pennsylvania!
