Lawrence Recreation Honored For Col. Hand Historic March Program

LAWRENCE VILLE, NJ — The Lawrence Township Recreation Department was recently honored with the Gregory A. Marshall Excellence in Parks and Historic Resources Award.

The award, presented by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, was given for the department's role in preserving the Colonel Edward Hand Historic March Re-Enactment.

"This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Lawrence Township Recreation Department has been recognized with an award from NJRPA," the department said on Facebook.

"A special thank you to Bill Agress, who has passionately portrayed Colonel Edward Hand for decades, bringing history to life and keeping this tradition thriving. His dedication, along with our incredible community, makes this event truly special."

Earlier this year, the township hosted the 63rd Annual Col. Edward Hand March, commemorating Col. Hand’s delaying tactic during the American Revolution.

During the American Revolution, Col. Hand used delaying tactics to hold off the British before the Second Battle of Trenton on Jan. 2, 1777. Col. Hand and his band of Pennsylvania riflemen were able to hinder the enemy by using cannon fire, ambushes, irregular warfare, and regular infantry maneuvers.

The event is held on the first Saturday in January. The march was first held in was created in 1962 and it was founded by the late Robert Immordino, who was the first official Lawrence Township historian.

The march is a tradition in the township that strives to keep alive and celebrate Lawrence’s rich history.