LEXINGTON — The Lexington Minute Men are pleased to share that the company will once again be participating in a series of Patriots’ Day weekend events to honor the Battle of Lexington and America250.
“On the heels of last year’s wildly successful 250th anniversary of Battle of Lexington events, we are pleased to share that many of those same events will be making their way back to Lexington this Patriots’ Day weekend,” said Captain Commanding Stephen Cole. “It is an honor to be able to preserve and amplify the stories of the men and women who ignited our nation over 250 years ago. Sharing their courage with the community is how we succeed in our mission of never letting our Nation’s history fade. We look forward to sharing that with you over the course of the weekend.”
Events will take place throughout Patriots’ Day weekend, beginning on Friday, April 17, and concluding on Tuesday, April 21. The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, April 17
9:00 p.m. – Paul Revere’s Ride Reenactment, Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock St.
In partnership with Lexington History Museums, the Lexington Minute Men will bring to life Paul Revere’s historic ride from Boston to the home of Reverend Jonas Clarke in Lexington to alert Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the impending British raid.
The event is free and open to the public. Hancock Street will be closed for the event, and there will be no parking available on site. Parking at 57 Bedford St. is recommended.
Saturday, April 18
5:15-7:30 a.m. – Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington
In the early morning, the Lexington Minute Men will kick off the historic reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, including the civilian evacuation, on the Lexington Battle Green, beginning with the ringing of the alarm and ending with the British arrival and Parker’s Revenge, Captain John Parker’s rallying speech to the troops to continue their fight.
10:30-12 p.m. – Battle of Tower Park
Just up the street from the Lexington Battle Green at Tower Park, 1157 Massachusetts Ave., the Lexington Minute Men will recreate one of the running battles as the British are forced to retreat back toward Boston.
The event will begin with the British troops arriving to Munroe Tavern at 10:30 a.m., where they set up a field hospital, just as they did on April 19, 1775. At 11:00 a.m., Percy’s relief arrives with cannon fire to assist the British in their retreat back to Boston.
From 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., Captain Parker’s company continues the fight and pushes the British out of Lexington toward Boston.
1:30-3:30 p.m. – Annual Patriots’ Day Parade
A wide variety of reenactment groups, including the Lexington Minute Men, along with various groups, marching bands, and more will walk in the annual Patriots’ Day Parade.
The parade will step off at the intersection of Maple and Massachusetts Avenue and will follow through to Lexington Center, ending at Worthen Road.
Sunday, April 19
8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Battle Road
The Lexington Minute Men will participate in a day of events at the Old North Bridge in Concord, including reenactments of the battle of Elm Brook Hill at the Minute Men National Historical Park in Lincoln, Mass.
The day will begin with the North Bridge Immersive Program at 8:30 a.m., followed by the reenactment of the Battle of Elm Brook Hill at 11 a.m. The day will finish with the Battle of Parker’s Revenge at 2:30 p.m. on the Lexington Battle Green.
Monday, April 20
9:30 a.m. – Ye Old Burial Ground Ceremony
With the battle reenactments over, the Lexington Minute Men will fire two musket volleys as two wreaths are laid at the grave of the British Soldier and Captain Parker’s Memorial.
10 a.m. – Daughters of the American Revolution Wreath-Laying Ceremony
The Daughters of the American Revolution will lay wreaths at the Lexington Minute Men monument and the obelisk next to Lexington Battle Green. The obelisk is the oldest war memorial in the nation, honoring the eight men who died in the Battle of Lexington.
Tuesday, April 21 – Naturalization Ceremony
11 a.m. – Naturalization Ceremony
In honor of the Shot Heard Around the World on Lexington’s Town Common, which sparked the Revolutionary War and thus the birth of our Nation, a group of Americans will be invited to the Town Common and become formally naturalized as American citizens. becoming a part of America’s colorful national tapestry in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary.
Captain Commanding Stephen Cole will deliver the ceremony’s opening address, while the music company will play fife and drum music, and the Color Guard presents the colors.
