Local towns prepare for annual Patriots’ Day events

  • Published
  • By Jessica Casserly
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Throughout the month of April members of Team Hanscom can participate in annual Patriots’ Day celebrations taking place in towns surrounding the base.

Patriots’ Day commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolution in 1775. The 2018 holiday will be officially observed April 16, but events will take place in Bedford, Concord and Lexington throughout April.

“Patriots’ Day is fundamental to the Town of Concord since we recognize our town as a birthplace of the American Revolution,” said John Arena, Concord Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee chair. “Concord has always been a town that is rich in history, so it is important to our committee and citizens to uphold commemorations and ceremonies that honor not just our small town, but the entire country as well.”

The various activities hosted by towns like Concord are a memorable experience for participants, Arena said.

“It creates a powerful feeling to know that you are marching through the same space that the Minutemen marched on during the early battles of the American Revolution,” he said. “In addition, the parade attracts thousands of spectators, which brings rightful recognition to Hanscom personnel who [usually] participate.”

The following is a sampling of events taking place around the area. For further information, please visit the Minute Man National Historical Park website at https://www.nps.gov/mima/, view the Battle Road website at www.battleroad.org or go to the Lexington History website at www.lexingtonhistory.org/Patriots’-day.html.  

Saturday, April 7
Bedford Liberty Pole Capping
The Bedford Liberty Pole Capping will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Willson Park. Colonial troops from throughout New England will convene on the town common and march to Willson Park. A Bedford minuteman will then climb a 25-foot pole and place a red cap atop it, in defiance of King George.

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. and will include musket and cannon firing and fife and drum music.

Paul Revere Capture Ceremony
The Lincoln Minute Men will lead a march down Battle Road to observe the historic capture of Paul Revere. The event features fife and drum music and a musket fire salute. The ceremony will take place at the Paul Revere Capture Site, 200 North Great Road, in Lincoln at 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 14
Parker's Revenge
British and Colonial reenactors will demonstrate tactical weapons engagement and recreate the running battle that took place on the border of Lincoln and Lexington. The event, which takes place on the Battle Road Trail, will involve musket firing and battle action. Park staff will be on hand to direct attendees to parking and viewing areas. The event is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Monday, April 16
Battle Re-enactment - Lexington Green
Lexington will celebrate the start of the American Revolution with a re-enactment of the early morning engagement between the town's militia and the British regulars. The re-enactment will begin at 5:30 a.m. Be aware that road closures and detours will be in place for the event.

Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight and Concord Patriot's Day Parade
The Concord events will commence at the North Bridge at 8:45 a.m. British and Colonial re-enactors will commemorate the “Shot heard round the world” with a re-staging of the North Bridge fight featuring marching and musket fire. The Concord Parade begins at the Hunt Recreation Center on Stow Street and proceeds through Concord Center to North Bridge. The parade is scheduled to arrive at North Bridge at 9:30 a.m. It is important to note that all roads in the center of Concord will be closed to vehicles beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Lexington Afternoon Parade
Lexington’s annual Patriots' Day parade will take place at 2 p.m. The parade route will begin at Massachusetts Avenue and Maple Street in East Lexington and proceed west along Massachusetts Avenue through Lexington Center. Parking for the event will be extremely limited and road closures and detours will be in place.

Wednesday, April 18
Patriot Vigil
This event will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on April 19, 1775. The procession will step off at the North Bridge Visitor Center at 7:50 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own enclosed candle lanterns instead of flashlights to preserve the authenticity of the period. A ceremony will be held at the North Bridge from 8 p.m. until 8:45 p.m.

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 21 musket and cannon salute. The event will take place at the North Bridge in Concord at 6 a.m.

Remembering the Ladies
This event will highlight the role of women in the Revolution. The event will take place at the North Bridge in Concord at 10 a.m. In commemoration of the women who armed themselves and provided local security in the midst of the crisis, the living history group the Molly Cutthroats will fire a ceremonial volley of musketry from the North Bridge.

Sons of the American Revolution, Henry Knox Color Guard
As part of the new events taking place at Minute Man NHP, the Henry Knox Color Guard will fire three volleys from North Bridge at approximately 12 p.m. in honor of our Revolutionary Forebearers.