Today's letters: praise for Brigadier General Hugh Mercer & Rescue Mission of Trenton thanks Mercer County
The United States Marine Corps should be proud to know that Princeton Battlefield was the site of the first Marine killed in a land battle.
Brigadier General Hugh Mercer was a close friend, a trusted adviser and confident to General George Washington. Hugh Mercer was one of a rare few men who could tell Washington when he thought he was wrong without any fear of reprisal. Rumor has it that Mercer exclusively originated Washington's daring plan to cross the Delaware River and surprise the Hessians at The Battle of Trenton.
At The Battle of Princeton, Mercer was surrounded by the British who mistook him for Washington and he was shot off his horse. The British, thinking they had caught Washington bayoneted him. He was beaten to the ground, then bayoneted repeatedly, seven times! He had multiple bayonet wounds to his body and blows to his head. Legend is that Mercer, with a bayonet still impaled in him did not want to leave his men in battle, so he remained rested on a white oak tree's trunk. He died nine days later. Brave Patriots died laying face down in the mud, so we could be free of tyranny. Make no doubt about it, this is indeed truly, "Hallowed Ground!" Don't tread on me. To those cold hearted, callous people with no conscience, who take our freedom and liberty for granted and wish to desecrate this hallowed ground where brave souls showed sacrifice, courage and uncommon valor, shame on you. How do you sleep at night? Shame on you.
Michael Patrick Kelly
Mercerville
On Wednesday, December 23 The Times opinion page shared two holiday gifts with the community: A letter of holiday gratitude from HomeFront and Rescue Mission of Trenton's story number 99 in the 100 part series Rebuilding Lives featuring the author of the 100 Lives series, Anne Levin.
In the first case, my friend and colleague Connie Mercer celebrated the community response that is so vital to "feed the soul and restore the spirit and feel love." The second highlighted a Mission volunteer who for the last year lifted the curtain and introduced the people of the Mission to the community. Anne shared that through the conversations with those connected to the Mission, as clients, alumni, volunteers, staff members, and shoppers in the Mission Store, her initial impressions of the Mission as an unknown "depressing, dreary place" shifted to a place that "helps turn lives around."
Economic poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental health, trauma, shattered lives: these are the serious devastating issues faced by those we serve. As Connie and Anne so aptly represent, our community constantly stands up and acknowledges that while the problems can be devastating, the person is valued. It is through the work of community partners, volunteers, and the generous hearts of so many that we are privileged to offer opportunity, hope, and help to rebuild one's life.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the community-at-large for the generous support of the various events and appeals associated with our centennial celebration.
Mary Gay Abbott-Young
Rescue Mission of Trenton CEO
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