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Patriots Day
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The American Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775, with the battles at Lexington and Concord between British "redcoats" and colonial Minutemen. The historic day is commemorated each year with dramatic re-enactments and ceremonies throughout Massachusetts. |
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Among the better-known commemorative events on Patriots Day (April 19th) is the Boston Marathon, which has been run now for over a century. Patriots Day is a public holiday in Massachusetts, celebrated on the Monday nearest that date. All Massachusetts state government offices and many local businesses close, though federal government offices and offices of large interstate and international companies remain open. The re-enactment of the battle on Lexington Green starts at dawn (6 am), but crowds of spectators begin to gather several hours before. If you don't get there at least two hours early, you won't be able to find a good vantage point for the "battle." To get the best views, you must stake out your spot three, four or even five hours before. (In other words, you spend the night there.) Around 6 am you will hear the Redcoats marching along Battle Road as they approach Lexington Green. Patriots Day events in nearby Concord are a bit nicer to your sleep-time. A mid-morning parade with lots of fife-and-drum bands and groups of Minutemen from surrounding towns is followed by ceremonies at Old North Bridge and the repeated firing of two brass cannons. Several church halls open to provide pancake breakfasts to the multitude. |
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Above, "redcoats" line up on Lexington Green ready to do battle with the Minutemen in a re-enactment of the start of the Revolutionary War. Below, a useful rule for the traditional pancake breakfasts (with maple syrup).
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