Before reaching deeper to the information we provide on Patriots’ Day, readers must never confuse the celebration with Patriot Day, which is held to remember September 11th attack. Patriots’ Day is held annually every 19 April or the third Monday in April to remember the battle of Lexington and Concord occurred near Boston in the year of 1775. Although all Americans in all states will remember the day, the real re-enactment is held only by people who live the area of Lexington and Concord. The historical event is regarded as one of the most important for it has brought them to the way they are now. An essential highlight is the part when somebody rang a bell to warn the troops and people that British soldiers were approaching. In additions, concerts, lectures and road races are held as well.
In Wisconsin State, observance is held in the day. It is April 19th, when students at school and the people are educated and informed about the events; everything is mainly about the Patriots’ Day. If in any case, April 19th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the observation will be moved earlier or later.
As mentioned in the previous passage, Patriots’ Day is remembered by all Americans, but is not in the same way as the people in Massachusetts and Maine do it. In April 19th municipal, county, and state offices are off. In other places, the day is just another busy day with some differences. The city streets may not be occupied or crowded as usual, public transportation is available but not with the same schedule and route, some parts of the state may not be as busy as they always have been according to local custom, etc. Especially in Boston, the traffic may grow busier since because of some sport events and the re-enactment is in progress.
The Background of Patriots’ Day
In 1775, the area, which now has become the eastern part of United States, was dominated by British Colonies under United Kingdom. The battle of Lexington and Concord started the American War of Independence or also called American Revolutionary War. The battle in Boston in April 19th 1775 was the first battle among many others that turned out to be the first step on the completely independent United States of America. Because the event was undoubtedly essential for the lives of the country in the next hundreds of years until now, April 19th is not only remembered by the countrymen, but in some parts especially in Lexington and Concord, re-enactment is a must.
The first observance of Patriots’ Day was held in 1969, third Monday in April.
Another information, PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), a famous company is America, provides the lesson and examples to conduct the re-enactment in the manner of 18th century. The music, the students, colonial characters, and off-battle activities are played by professionals and recorded in videos featured in their website.
Once again, Patriots’ Day should never be confused with Patriot Day. The date and events are totally different although the name is similar. Patriots’ Day is often called as Patriot’s Day or Patriots Day.