Patriots' Day is an American civic holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, which took place on April 19, 1775. The day honors the memory of the colonial militiamen who confronted British forces, marking the initial armed resistance that led to the establishment of the United States. It symbolizes the defense of liberty and the beginning of the fight for American independence.
The historical events central to the holiday include the midnight rides of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott, who alerted the colonial minutemen to the approach of British troops sent to seize military supplies in Concord, Massachusetts. The ensuing skirmishes at Lexington Green and North Bridge in Concord, famously marked by the "shot heard 'round the world," represented the first organized colonial opposition and the definitive start of the war. This commemoration focuses on the courage and resolve of ordinary citizens rising to defend their rights against a professional army.
Officially observed on the third Monday in April in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin, the holiday is celebrated with historical reenactments, parades, and educational programs. The most prominent modern event associated with the day is the Boston Marathon, which has been held on Patriots' Day since 1897. This tradition links a major civic and athletic event to the historical themes of endurance, community, and the spirit of resilience that the holiday represents.
