HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Thousands of people flock to Boston, as well as the area surrounding the base, each April to observe Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts State holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolution in 1775.
For those here at Hanscom, it’s an opportunity to participate in local community events to remember the rich history of this area. This year the holiday will be officially observed April 17, but celebrations take place throughout the month.
“We encourage all of the personnel who live, work and play on Hanscom to take advantage of events like these that showcase what this great area has to offer,” said Patty Welsh, 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs acting chief. “The Patriots’ Day events honor those that initially fought for our freedom, and we recommend everyone try to attend some of the events at least once.”
Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation command chief, and other Hanscom leaders are anticipated to take part in some area ceremonies.
The following are a sampling of events taking place around the area. For further information, please visit the Minute Man National Historical Park website, the Lexington town website, the Concord town website or visit the Concord website at Patriot’s Day Events April 2023- Visit Concord | April 8, 2023
Saturday, April 8
Bedford Liberty Pole Capping
The Bedford Liberty Pole Capping will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Willson Park. Minute man units from as far away as New Hampshire will convene on the town common and march to the park. A member of the Bedford Junior Reserve Officer Training Program will then climb a 25-foot pole and place a red cap atop it, signifying defiance of King George. Following, Maj. Gen. Anthony Genatempo, program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks, and Enriquez will join past Bedford minute man company captains in laying a wreath in remembrance of Captain Willson, who was killed on April 19, 1775.
Meriam's Corner Exercise
The town of Concord, joined by area minute men companies, will commemorate the fight at Meriam's Corner that began the Redcoat's six-hour frantic retreat back to Boston. Meriam's Corner is on Lexington Road, one mile east of Concord Center. The event will begin at 1 p.m.
Paul Revere Capture Ceremony
The Lincoln minute men, joined by other reenactment units, observe the historic capture of Paul Revere with fife and drum music, a theatrical performance, and a musket fire salute. The event will take place at the Paul Revere Capture Site, Route 2A, in Lincoln at 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 15
Parker's Revenge
At 9 a.m., Lexington minute men gather on the Battle Green to reenact the second call to arms from Captain John Parker, which took place on the afternoon of April 19, 1775, with additional dialogue from Rev. Jonas Clarke. Following this event, the minute men will march up Massachusetts Avenue to Fiske Hill before continuing on to the Parker’s Revenge site in the Minute Man National Park for a skirmish reenactment at 1 p.m.
Monday, April 17
Battle Reenactment
Lexington will celebrate the start of the American Revolution with a reenactment of the early morning engagement between the town's militia and the British regulars. The reenactment will begin at 5:30 a.m. on the Lexington Battle Green. Be aware that road closures and detours will be in place for the event.
Concord Patriots' Day Parade
Beginning at 9 a.m., the parade will feature participants representing military, musical and patriotic groups from across New England. The parade begins on Main Street and proceeds through Concord Center to the Old North Bridge, where a brief ceremony commemorates the events of April 19, 1775. The parade returns through Concord Center by way of Monument Street and Main Street at approximately 10:15 a.m. where each unit is officially acknowledged at a reviewing stand on Main Street and Keyes Road.
Ceremony on the Green
At 8:15 a.m., the Town of Lexington’s annual awards are presented for active citizenship and service in a ceremony on the Lexington Green after the Battle Reenactment. Awards include the White Tricorne Hat award presented by the Lions Club; the Minuteman Cane award; the Youth Commission awards; and others. Lt. Col. Joshua Shimko, deputy installation commander, will deliver brief greetings from Hanscom AFB.
Lexington Afternoon Parade
Lexington's annual Patriots' Day parade will take place at 2 p.m. The parade route begins at Massachusetts Avenue and Maple Street in East Lexington and proceeds west along Massachusetts Avenue through Lexington Center. Be aware that parking for the event will be extremely limited and road closures and detours will be in place.
Tuesday, April 18
Patriot Vigil
The National Park Service holds a candlelight vigil at the North Bridge in the Minute Man National Historic Park. All are invited to come and reflect on the events of April 19, 1775, and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April.
Wednesday, April 19
Dawn Salute
The Concord Minute Men and the Concord Independent Battery will observe the opening battle of the American Revolution with a musket and cannon salute. The event will take place at the North Bridge in Concord at 6 a.m.