Rising to the occasion
By Andrea Gregory

George Washington tilted his head. The puddle of water that had collected inside the brim of his tri-corner hat poured out in a stream. The rain showed no sign of letting up, but Acting Police Chief Robert R. Bradley stayed in character.
  From up on his horse, Bradley said he has been playing the role of our country‚Äôs first president for seven years. Every New Year‚Äôs Day he saddles up his 19-year-old Wisperwon Mr. America, his beloved horse, and rides from city hall to Prospect Hill Park. It‚Äôs tradition and it is an important piece of Somerville‚Äôs history, he said from his post.

  ‚ÄúThis was the first time an American flag was ever flown in defiance of a foe,‚Äù he said. On Jan. 1, 1776 during the Revolutionary War, Gen. Washington raised the first Grand Union Flag. The flag represented the original 13 colonies. The act 231 years ago was a sign that the 13 colonies were on their way from breaking away from British rule.
  ‚ÄúSo that‚Äôs the history of Prospect Hill,‚Äù he said, waiting for his main part in the event. Then came his cue. The crowed of about 50 people waited for Washington to ride up and order the flag be raised on the top of Prospect Hill. Dressed from head to toe, including the curly white wig, Bradley gave the orders and stood by to make sure they were carried out.
  Bradley could see several of the young children looking on in awe. A few of them pointed with excitement as he road up.
  ‚ÄúYou try to give kids a sense of history,‚Äù he said.
  But it was more than just the children enjoying the mid-day celebration. Many of the onlookers also dressed in clothing from the period. The idea was to celebrate a historic day. The reenactment, as it is every year, was open to the public.
  Harris Gruman stood close to his daughter sharing an umbrella. Harris said it was his first time coming to the New Year‚Äôs Day event. He came dressed like he had just stepped out of the 1700s.
  ‚ÄúIt feels like a historic place for my family and for the country,‚Äù he said.
  His daughter, Anna Gruman, 11, was also decked out in attire appropriate for more than two decades ago. Anna smiled from under her bonnet and said the rain wasn‚Äôt an issue.
  ‚ÄúI think it‚Äôs a great (event). They should do more things like this,‚Äù said Anna.
  ‚ÄúI ditto that,‚Äù her father said.
  Brandon Wilson, executive director of the Historic Preservation Commission, said she has been working on making the event more popular in recent years. She said it is a great way for children to learn about how Somerville fits into American history. It is also a way for people to come together as a community.
  It was shortly after noon when the flag was raised to the top of the tower in Prospect Hill Park. After it was secured, the tower was opened up to the public, where small groups were given the chance to climb the iron stare cases to the top and see the real view from Prospect Hill. The tower, built in 1909, is usually closed to the public. However, last year, the tower also was opened up on New Year‚Äôs Day.
  Before the line started forming at the tower and people dressed like it was 1776 started fleeing for shelter, the crowed all stood together. Everyone‚Äôs eyes were focused on the old American flag, soaring in a cloudy sky. Their voice raised and joined together, in singing ‚ÄúAmerica the Beautiful.‚Äù