Patriots' Day is a proper noun designating a state holiday observed on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts and Maine. It commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which occurred on April 19, 1775, and were the first armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War. Wisconsin also recognizes it as a special observance day for public schools.
The holiday marks the historical events that ignited the American Revolution, including the midnight rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes to warn colonial militia of the approaching British forces. Modern observances often feature historical reenactments of these battles and related events, particularly in the towns of Lexington and Concord. The Boston Marathon, a world-renowned long-distance race, has been traditionally held on this day since 1897, tying a major civic and sporting event to the historical commemoration.
This observance serves as a regional celebration of the origins of American independence and the concept of civic duty. It is crucial to distinguish this holiday from Patriot Day, a separate national observance held on September 11 to remember the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Patriots' Day specifically honors the opening moments of the nation's fight for liberty, preserving its memory through both solemn remembrance and vibrant community activities.
