The Revolution Today: Crossings

If you walk into the lobby of the White House’s West Wing or through the halls of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, you might notice they have something in common. Both display the famous painting called Washington Crossing the Delaware. New York’s is an artist’s original. The White House version is a copy. Washington Crossing the Delaware is one of the most recognizable paintings of the American Revolution. It is known, however, for its errors as much as it is for its portrayal of Washington as a strong leader.

“Details such as the American flag—not adopted until six months after Washington’s crossing—and the type of boat are inaccurate. The painting’s efficiency as national myth is easy to see: the flag, set off by a searing silvery sky, towers over the scene, its shaft soaring heavenward, Washington a figure of invincible resolution,” art critic Jonathan Jones explained.

But there is an irony. This painting showing Washington on his way to defeat German soldiers, the Hessians, was painted by a German. Emanuel Leutz had migrated to America with his parents but returned to Germany. Perhaps Leutz painted the picture in 1851 to symbolize the determination that motivates people to make difficult journeys, such as emigrating to America.

“It might also be read as a painting about migration. Just like Washington crossing the Delaware, German migrants fleeing political oppression and poverty were making the long, cold Atlantic crossing,” Jones noted.

Crossing the Delaware has become an American metaphor, a symbol for overcoming obstacles. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld recalled the moment in his 2005 Christmas message to U.S. troops: “By serving our country this season, whether you are stationed at home or abroad, you are part of an American tradition as old as the struggle for our nation’s independence, when Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night. And like that of those who fought before you, the work you do will be remembered, and recounted, many Christmases from now,” Rumsfeld wrote.

The defense secretary was no stranger to obstacles in life, especially those that come with service. “During World War II, my father spent more than one Christmas thousands of miles from home on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific theater. My family and I missed him, but we took comfort in the knowledge that his service was important and that he was fighting for us and for our country,” he remembered.

“And even though there may be no place you would rather be this season than home with them, know that what you are doing—wherever you are—protects them and provides them with a truly special gift. You are defending their freedom. And they are safer because of your service,” Donald Rumsfeld concluded.

As difficult as crossings are, they are often a gift of sacrifice.

PRAYER

God, You are the Creator of rivers, the Carver of streams, the Great Painter of life’s most beautiful and challenging landscapes.