HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Patriots' Day is a special Massachusetts state holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.
This year marks a return to many of the normal activities associated with the holiday as the Commonwealth lifts COVID restrictions. Members of Team Hanscom can participate in person at annual Patriots' Day celebrations scheduled to take place in local towns throughout the month of April.
“The Patriots’ Day weekend is to honor our country and those who fought for it,” said Lorain Marquis, Lexington Town Celebrations Committee member. “Among the must-do things that you should try at least once in your life is to participate in Patriots' Day celebrations in Massachusetts.”
Col. Katrina Stephens, installation commander, Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief, and other Hanscom leaders are anticipated to be taking part in some of the events in the local area.
“My family and I are excited to participate in this year’s Patriots Day events,” said Hebb. “I am looking forward to connecting with our community partners and learning a little more about our nation’s history.”
The official observance of Patriots’ Day 2022 is Monday, April 18.
“Hanscom is proud to participate and is fortunate for the invaluable opportunity to experience these significant parts of our nation’s history,” said Stephens.
The following are 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/planyourvisit/special-event.htm, view the Lexington town website at https://www.lexingtonma.gov/patriots-day-lexington/pages/2022-schedule-events, or go to the Concord town website at https://concordma.gov/1160/Committee-Events and the Visit Concord website at https://visitconcord.org/current-announcments/.
Saturday, April 9
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 Bedford minute man will then climb a 25-foot pole and place a red cap atop it, signifying defiance of King George. Then Maj. Gen. Michael Schmidt, program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks, and Stephens 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 16
Parker's Revenge
At 8:30 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 18
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.
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 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.