Annual Patriots' Day events start next week

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Green-Lanchoney
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Throughout the month of April, annual Patriot's Day celebrations are scheduled to occur in local towns.

Patriot's Day, a Massachusetts State holiday, commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolution in 1775. This year, the holiday will be officially observed April 21, but events take place throughout the month.

The following is a sampling of events taking place around the area. For further information, visit Minute Man National Historical Park website, call the park at 978-369-6993 or go to the Lexington History website.

Saturday, April 12

Bedford

10:30 a.m. Bedford Pole Capping, Wilson Park, Bedford
The Liberty Pole Capping ceremony consisting of colonial troops from throughout New England parading from Bedford Common to Wilson Park. A Bedford Minuteman will climb the pole and, in defiance of King George, place a red cap over the top. British Redcoats may attempt to arrest the pole climber! Collation will follow ceremony at the Bedford High School Cafeteria.

Concord

1:00 p.m. Meriam's Corner Exercise, Meriam's Corner, Concord
The Town of Concord, joined by area minute companies, fife and drum units, and the Concord Independent Battery, pay remembrance to the fight at Meriam's Corner that marked the beginning of the six-hour running battle back to Boston. Tour the Meriam House from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lincoln

3:00 p.m. Paul Revere Capture Ceremony, Paul Revere Capture Site, Lincoln
The Lincoln Minute Men and the Town of Lincoln, joined by other reenactment units, observe the historic capture of Paul Revere with fife and drum music and a musket fire salute.

Saturday, April 19

Lexington

10 a.m. Parker's Revenge
Lexington Minutemen gather on the Lexington Battle Green to reenact the second call to arms from Captain Parker with additional dialogue from Reverend Jonas Clarke. Following this event the Minutemen will march to Parker's Revenge site on Route 2A near the Minuteman National Park Visitors Site for a wreath laying.

12 noon U.S. Army "Old Guard" Patriotic performance on Lexington Battle Green
A historic outdoor performance by the Army's 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, is scheduled. Members of the U.S. Army Drill Team, Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and Commander-in-Chief's guard from Fort Myer, Va., demonstrate the precision and discipline embodied in Army Soldiers for more than 239 years. On the Battle Green -- Massachusetts Avenue at Bedford Street.

Concord

6:00 a.m. Dawn Salute, North Bridge, Concord
The Concord Minute Men and the Concord Independent Battery observe the opening battle of the American Revolution in a 21 gun musket and cannon salute.

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. "Armed as According to Law," A Living History Event presented by Minute Man NHP and Concord Museum, featuring Captain David Brown's Company
North Bridge, Concord. In 1775, how were companies of minute men armed and trained? What did they actually look like? Visit North Bridge and you will have the opportunity to see a full-strength minute company, about 40 men, meticulously researched and fully armed and equipped "as according to law," to use a much-used phrase from the period. This event will feature drill and musket firing demonstrations. Visitors are also encouraged to visit Concord Museum and see the actual artifacts in their new exhibit about April 19, 1775.

11:30 a.m. (approximately) Arrival of the Sudbury Militia, North Bridge, Concord
The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute Men will make their annual march to North Bridge from the Town of Sudbury, in honor of their fellow townsmen who made a similar march on April 19, 1775. They will fire three musket volleys from North Bridge as a soldierly salute.

Sunday, April 20

10 a.m. to 4p.m. Liberty Ride Tours A unique 90 minute trolley tour of the historic Battle Road. Tickets required. Board at the Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington Center.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buckman Tavern Tours 1 Bedford St. Tours every ½ hour. Admission tickets available at the House.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hancock Clarke House Tours 36 Hancock St. Tours every hour. Admission tickets available at the House.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Munroe Tavern Tours 1332 Massachusetts Ave. Tours every hour. Admission tickets available at the House.

1 to 4 p.m. Warlike Preparations at the Barrett Farm at Col. James Barrett House, Barrett's Mill Road, Concord. In 1775, Colonel James Barrett of Concord was responsible for safeguarding all the military supplies in town and his house was searched by British soldiers during their mission to Concord. Visit the Barrett House and learn about the intense military preparations that helped launch America into the Revolutionary War.

8 p.m. Celebration of Colonial Music and Dance Lexington Depot, 13 Depot Square. $5

11:30 p.m. Paul Revere Ride Re-enactment Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock St. Free

Monday, April 21

Bedford

6:00 a.m. - Bedford Minutemen gather at the Fitch Tavern as those on April 19, 1775 did for morning breakfast.

7:00 a.m. - Bedford Minutemen leave the Fitch Tavern for the march to Concord.

9:00 a.m. - Bedford Minutemen march in the Concord parade with the Bedford Flag leading the way.

2:00 p.m. - Bedford Minutemen march in the Lexington parade.

Lexington

5:30 a.m. - "The Alarm," at the Old Belfry, Belfry Hill

5:30 a.m. - Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington on the Battle Green. Massachusetts Avenue at Bedford Street. The Town of Lexington celebrates the first shots of the American Revolution with a reenactment of the early-morning engagement between the town's militia and the British regulars.

6 to 10 a.m. - Pancake Breakfasts Sponsored by various Groups.

7:30 a.m. - Lexington Sunrise Youth Parade.

8:15 a.m. - Ceremonies at the Battle Green, including White Tricorne Hat Award Presentation by Lexington Lions Club President Mike Healey.

10:00 a.m. - Lexington Lions Club 100th Annual Five-Mile Road Race Starting/ending on
Massachusetts Avenue at the Battle Green.

11:00 a.m. - USS Lexington Memorial Ceremonies at the Visitors Center 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, adjacent to the Buckman Tavern.

1:00 p.m. - Paul Revere Arrives at the Battle Green

2:00 p.m. - Afternoon Parade Celebrating Patriots Day

2:45 p.m. - Afternoon Parade Arrives at Minute Man Statue

Concord

8:45 a.m. Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight, and Concord Parade North Bridge, Concord. British re-enactors will be joined by the Acton Minutemen and other local companies for a special commemoration of the North Bridge Fight featuring musket volleys. The Concord Parade will arrive at North Bridge around 9:30 a.m.