The phrase "Patriots' Day" is a proper noun that refers to a public holiday observed in the U.S. states of Massachusetts, Maine, and, since 2022, Wisconsin. It is celebrated on the third Monday of April to commemorate the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which were the first armed engagements of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. The name directly references the American "patriots" who fought for independence from British rule.
The historical significance of the holiday is rooted in the events that marked the outbreak of the American Revolution. The battles occurred after British troops were ordered to seize military supplies stored by the colonial militia in Concord, Massachusetts. The legendary midnight ride of Paul Revere and others was undertaken to warn the local Minutemen of the British advance. The ensuing skirmishes in Lexington and Concord signaled the beginning of open warfare between the American colonies and Great Britain. Modern observances often include historical reenactments of these battles, particularly in Lexington and Concord, as well as parades and other civic ceremonies.
In contemporary culture, Patriots' Day has become widely associated with major sporting events. The most prominent of these is the Boston Marathon, which has been held on Patriots' Day every year since 1897, making it the world's oldest annual marathon. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox baseball team traditionally plays a home game at Fenway Park early in the day. This combination of historical commemoration and modern athletic tradition makes Patriots' Day a unique and significant cultural event, particularly within New England.
