Patriots’ Day is a day set aside to celebrate the start of the American Revolution and the battle that ensued toward ensuring the independence of the United States from British colonial rule. It is marked by the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy–the events following the famous “shot heard ’round the world.”
History Of Patriots Day
The United Kingdom established extensions of British colonies which controlled the area that is now known as the eastern part of the United States prior to 1775. That was when the American Revolutionary War, which is also known as the American War of Independence, took the bold step toward the independence of the United States.
The first battles in this war were fought in the areas of Lexington and Concord, near Boston, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. For this reason, the third Monday in April is symbolic for the emerging independence of the new country.
Paul Revere was among the patriots who are remembered and celebrated on Patriots’ Day. The American silversmith was known for spreading the word of the Boston Tea Party to New York and Philadelphia, and for warning the Lexington Minutemen about the British invasion in 1775. The story of his “midnight” ride to Lexington to discuss action plans against the British has been poeticized.
Patriots Day Celebration
Patriots’ Day was first celebrated in Massachusetts in 1894. It was proclaimed by Gov. Frederic Greenhalge as a compromise between competing efforts by the towns of Lexington and Concord to mark the day with their own names.
In Massachusetts, the holiday was originally celebrated on April 19 (the anniversary of the battles), but since 1969 it has been held on the third Monday in April.
Is Patriot Day A Holiday?
Yes, Patriots Day is a state holiday, hence state government offices will be closed. Some schools and businesses may also not open today.
Is Patriots’ Day only celebrated in Massachusetts?
No. Five states other than Massachusetts also celebrate Patriots’ Day in the United States. They are; Maine (where it is called Patriot’s Day), Florida, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and North Dakota.
Wisconsin became the third state to proclaim Patriots’ Day in 2001. Here, the event is celebrated on April 19, though it isn’t a legal holiday in the state. Public schools in the state observe the day by teaching about the first shots of the Revolutionary War in Massachusetts.
Where are Patriots’ Day celebrations? Parades in Lexington, Concord, Boston
Lexington and Concord are originally the centers of the day’s celebrations, with reenactments, ceremonies, historical exhibits, and parades going on in each town. For an extensive schedule of events,visit the Lexington town websiteand theMinute Man National Historical Park website.
The city of Boston, Massachusetts celebrates Patriots’ Day every year by organizing the Boston Marathon. One of the most viewed live events in the New England region. The marathon which started in 1897, is also the world’s oldest annual marathon.
Is ‘Patriots Day’ Movie About The Real-Life Patriots Day Event
Mark Wahlberg’s 2016 film “Patriots Day,” despite its incorrect punctuation, also relates to the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that killed three people and a celebration of Boston.
What is The Difference Between Patriots’ Day in April and Patriot Day Celebrated in September?
The Patriot Day, which is held annually on Sept. 11, is a day to remember the nearly thousands of people who were killed in the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
