Long Weekend Brings Jazz Concert, Ceremony To Washington Crossing

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — Washington Crossing Historic Park will mark the long Memorial Day weekend by honoring the soldiers - past and present - who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation and by hosting a free jazz concert on the river.

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 p.m. 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. The rain date is Monday, May 27 at the same time.

On Sunday, May 26 beginning at 1 p.m. Washington Crossing Historic Park will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony. The event will be held at The Revolutionary War Soldiers Gravesite
behind the Thompson Neely House located at 1638 River Road, New Hope 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 the 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 at the gravesite, which 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.