Historically, Holidays a Time of Action for War Troops

HISTORICALLY, HOLIDAYS A TIME OF ACTION FOR WAR TROOPS -- From George Washington's Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River to attack unsuspecting Hessians forward, holidays historically have provided prime opportunities for military offensives during times of war. That's not likely to change this year, says Temple military historian Gregory Urwin. "I doubt that Christmas means anything to the Saddam loyalists, outside terrorists and Iraqi nationalists--except as a time to strike when the Americans might have their guard down," says Urwin. "I would not anticipate a quiet Christmas in Iraq, even if our forces are on the alert." Likewise, during the Vietnam War, Tet "was always a time of truce. That was why the Viet Cong succeeded in surprising the Americans and South Vietnamese by launching their 'General Offensive--General Uprising' during Tet," says Urwin. That's a far cry from 1914, when, during the first year of World War I, opposing German and British troops in France "met in 'No Man's Land' to sing songs, share treats, show each other photos of loved ones, and even play some games of football (soccer). Of course, both armies sprang from Christian societies, and they both shared a reverence for Christmas."