HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Celebrating history: Event at Valley Forge National Historical Park honors George Washington

UPPER MERION >> Valley Forge National Historical Park celebrated George Washington’s birthday Monday at the Park Theater. Martha Washington, portrayed by Carol Spacht, presented General Washington, portrayed by John Lopes, with a special cake created by the Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College.

Washington was serenaded with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” by the attending guests, and children were encouraged to “enlist” and learn to drill like a Continental soldier. Children also had the chance to create a birthday card for Washington and make their own tricorn hat.

The celebration is based on Martha Washington’s surprise visit to George Washington’s headquarters in Valley Forge for his 46th birthday in 1778.

The celebration is based on Martha Washington’s surprise visit to George Washington’s headquarters in Valley Forge for his 46th birthday in 1778.

GENE WALSH — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA General George Washington re-enactor John Lopes bows to visitors at Valley Forge National Historical Park after he cut into his birthday cake during the park’s annual Presidents Day celebration Monday.

GENE WALSH — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A boy wearing a tricorn hat smiles as he watches General George Washington cut his birthday cake during the annual President’s Day celebration at Valley Forge National Historical Park Monday.

GENE WALSH — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Visitors to Valley Forge National Historical Park give a loud huzzah as General George Washington arrives to cut his birthday cake during the park’s annual Presidents Day celebration Monday.