Battle of Lexington remembered, 250 years later, with reenactment and other events
The first battle of the American Revolution was marked on Saturday in Lexington, Massachusetts, 250 years later, with a reenactment and a parade, along with other events.
Many spectators arrived early Saturday morning, even before the sun came up, to get a good spot to watch the battle reenactment, hours after a Paul Revere reenactor arrived in town from Boston.
"This is everything as a reenactor and history teacher back in New Hampshire. This is like a pilgrimage," said Jeff Durrell. "It all began here and everything that evolves around the 250 goes from this spot."
Battle reenactment
Lexington is the home of the Lexington Battle Green, where the first battle of the Revolutionary War was fought on April 19, 1775. Early Saturday morning, reenactors gathered on the green to recreate the Battle of Lexington, before the regulars, or British soldiers, marched on to Concord.
"I was here at 3 a.m. in the morning and I was the last one to leave," said Winchendon resident John Egan. "It's very important for me to be here today, mainly because of my father. I am wearing his dog tags, Patriots' Day, I grew up in Lexington."
Lexington hosted many events on Saturday, including the annual Patriots' Day 5-Mile Road Race and a parade. The Lexington chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution also dedicated the planting of a new elm tree behind Buckman Tavern in Lexington Center.
Trisha Perez Kenneally, who runs the Inn at Hastings Park along the parade route, said the 250th is huge for businesses in the area.
"I have welcomed guests from all 50 states and over 50 countries, so everyone's heard about it when they hear about the history of the United States, they hear about this battle," said Perez Kenneally. "We've been sold out for close to a year."
Patriots' Day will culminate Saturday evening with a performance of the Lexington Bicentennial Band, which will be premiering a brand new song. This event is free and starts at 7 p.m. at Battin Hall.
