PATRIOTS’ DAY 2020: the 245 Anniversary of the th
“Shot Heard ‘Round the World ”
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BY JENNIFER C. SCHÜNEMANN
Each year, thousands of people come from all around the globe to celebrate the events that gave birth to a new nation. The battles of Lexington and Concord are synonymous with freedom, liberty, and rebellion. The amazing reenactors, park rangers, tour guides, and museum docents in and around our community are all here to help and guide you as you experience the energy and excitement of the events leading up to that fateful day April 19, 1775. This year, for the 245th Anniversary of the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” there are many events planned in and around Concord during Patriots’ Day weekend. Here are a few favorites you won’t want to miss:
SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH 9:30AM to 12PM at the Hartwell Tavern and Captain William Smith House along the Battle Road – reenactors share the harrowing tale of fleeing civilian refugees. The sight of hundreds of British Regulars sent many of the town residents into a panic. If you had to leave your home in a hurry, uncertain of your return, what would you take with you? Learn about these locals who struggled to save their homes and their families from the oncoming war headed their way. 12:45PM – Parker’s Revenge Battle Demonstration – this is one of the most popular events of the weekend, so leave plenty of time. Captain Parker seeks revenge for the militiamen killed in Lexington earlier that day, and he shall have it! Witness hundreds of reenactors, civilian evacuations, musket firing, and fast-paced battle action along the actual Battle Road of 1775! 4PM – Tower Park Battle (Massachusetts Ave., by Pelham Rd.) – follow the British Regulars’ retreat as they fight the Colonial 10
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militia and Minutemen! The crowd gathers along the stone wall, which commands an incredible view of the battle as it unfolds. “In my opinion, this is the best battle,” said seasoned reenactor Steve Crosby (who plays Isaac Davis, the leader of the Acton Minutemen at the North Bridge). “It is truly EPIC. We get to play on the actual field – the battle swept through this actual area!” 7:45PM – The Patriot Vigil and Candlelight Procession – this beautiful ceremony honors the lives of all who were lost that fateful day. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome – but no flashlights or LEDs. Candle lanterns only, please, out of respect for this hallowed ground. The lantern procession will leave from the North Bridge visitors’ center and walk down to the North Bridge, where poetry, music, and historic remarks will take place before a reading of the names of colonists and Regulars who perished on April
19th will be read aloud. This park staff favorite is the brainchild of Ranger Jim Hollister and has quickly become a cherished tradition and a beautiful way to pay respects to the fallen.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19TH 6AM – as part of a ceremony dating back to the late 18th century/early 19th century, the Concord Minutemen and the Concord Independent Battery gather to honor the opening battle of the American Revolution with a 21-gun salute with musket and cannon fire. 1PM to 4PM – Warlike Preparations! – children and adults alike will help bring history alive at the Colonel James Barrett House, 448 Barrett’s Mill Road, as they help to hide military supplies as the British Regulars appear on the horizon. The soldiers march right into the house and search everyone and everything to uncover the hidden supplies!
