Boston commemorated the momentous midnight ride of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775, with a grand celebration marking 250 years since the historic event.
Revere originally rode through the streets of Boston to alert the minutemen of the impending arrival of British troops, a pivotal moment leading up to the American Revolution.
On the evening of the celebration, a lively crowd gathered, chanting praises for the reenactor portraying Revere, who waved to the crowd as preparations began for the iconic ride.
The festivities kicked off with a ceremony hosted by NBC10 Boston’s Latoyia Edwards at the Paul Revere Mall, attended by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.
The event featured a lantern procession and an impressive drone show, symbolizing Revere’s historical journey across the Charles River.
“What we’re celebrating tonight, this weekend, and every day here in Boston is the beauty of possibility in the city that gave this nation its freedom and has never stopped fighting to keep it alive,” Mayor Wu expressed during her address.
The day began earlier at 5:30 p.m. with a historic reenactment at the Paul Revere House, followed by a Lantern Service at the Old North Church at 7 p.m. that honored the famous “two if by sea” signal from the church steeple.
The celebrations extend beyond Boston, with reenactments of the Battles of Lexington and Concord planned for Saturday.
Attendees from across the nation flocked to Boston to partake in these momentous events. “We want our descendants to know. We are so excited,” stated Julie Maddox, who traveled from Utah to attend.
Her husband, Matthew Maddox, emphasized the deep connection they feel to their ancestors and the struggles they endured to secure the freedoms enjoyed today.
Jeanine Withers, another attendee, shared her excitement by saying, “I think it’s awesome. I’m so excited about it.”
The Lexington 250 events promise an action-packed Saturday, starting early at 5:15 a.m. with the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington.
The Battle Green rededication ceremony is set for 11 a.m., followed by Lexington’s Patriots’ Day Parade at 2 p.m. and a final Patriots’ Day concert scheduled for 7 p.m.
Staff Sergeant Jay Healey of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps expressed his gratitude, stating, “Being able to come back, being able to perform and represent the United States Army, and being able to commemorate the battle that happened in 1775 — 250 years ago — is quite an honor for me.”
Suzie Barry, chair of the Lex250 Commission, highlighted the significance of the commemoration by saying, “We are the stewards of this piece of land where it happened, so we want to share that with everyone.”
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns noted the importance of reflecting on the American Revolution, urging, “We have to, I think, reinvigorate ourselves with what happened in the American Revolution so that we can make sure that we remain strong and vigilant.”
For those planning to attend, it’s advisable to allow extra time due to the flurry of activities and potential parking restrictions in the area.
image source from：https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/250th-commemoration-of-the-american-revolution-in-boston-friday-night/3689758/
