HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – During the month of April Hanscom personnel can participate in annual Patriots’ Day events taking place in the towns surrounding the base.
Patriots’ Day commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolution in 1775. The 2019 holiday will be officially observed April 15, but celebrations will take place in Bedford, Concord and Lexington throughout April.
“We often take it for granted, but it is fascinating to remember that the American Revolution began here in Lexington and Concord,” said Chuck Hacala, chairman of the 2019 Liberty Pole Capping Committee. “The Patriots’ Day events commemorate the first hard-fought battles that gained our independence from England. It is important to remember those brave farmers and soldiers that took up arms and fought to secure our freedom and independence.”
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 http://www.lexingtonhistory.org/patriotsday.html.
Saturday, April 6
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 minutemen 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 13
Parker's Revenge
British and Colonial re-enactors 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 15
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. Road closures and detours will be in place for the event.
Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight and Concord Patriots’ 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 around 9:30 a.m. All roads in the center of Concord will be closed to vehicles beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Lexington Afternoon Parade
Lexington’s annual Patriot’s 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. Parking for the event will be extremely limited and road closures and detours will be in place.
Thursday, 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.
Friday, 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.