Boston is a city founded (officially) in 1822. The city is one of America’s oldest towns; it has a rich economic and social background. This community is a now a politically and socially conscious area where many ideas and groups of people continually evolve. Boston is also often referred to as the cultural hub of New England – a title earned because of its flourishing economic and social atmosphere.
In the Boston Area, there are over 600,000 people residing; in addition there are also many institutions of post-secondary and higher learning, some of the best hospitals in the world, and various professional sports organizations. Many people in Boston hold jobs in finance, health care, education, and community & public service. Millions of visitors ascend upon the city of Boston every single year to visit the many historical neighborhoods, cultural events, sporting events, and to conduct business – one of the most popular times of year to visit Boston is during holidays. Celebrating Patriots Day and American History in Boston only makes sense.
Boston on Patriot’s Day
For the people of Boston, and surrounding areas, the third Monday of every April is known to them as Patriot’s day. This Boston based holiday is based on the remembrance of the Nation’s founding fathers. Officially, it celebrates the battles of Lexington and Concord – these battles were fought near Boston in 1775. This holiday is not the same as Patriot Day (with the possessive tense) – which is held in September to mark the attacks of 9/11 in the USA. Oddly, this holiday is a pretty big deal to the people of New England, but is not at all recognized in other parts of the United States.
Modern day celebrations have evolved; it now celebrates the cities passions for drinking, heckling and watching games. Many people in the area welcome time off work, and students usually get the day off from school to celebrate this area centric holiday. A major highlight is the custom of ringing the bell that was used to warn the local troops that the British soldiers were approaching- hence the popular use of the phrase “the British are coming!”.
237th Patriot’s Day Celebration- On Monday morning, April 16th, the mayor will be kicking off the celebrations with a flag raising ceremony. Mayor Thomas M. Menino raised the flag at 9 am at the city hall plaza. The famous Patriot’s Day Parade started its march from the city hall plaza and from there will continue into Kings Chapel on Tremont Street. Once the parade reaches the grave of William Dawes, there will be a wreath laying ceremony. After that, the parade will continue on to the Old Granary Grounds where a wreath will be laid at the grave of Paul Revere.
After the wreath laying ceremonies commence, a re-enactment of the historically famous ride at midnight of Paul Revere and William Dawes- that happened on April 18th, 1775 will begin.
About Elizabeth L. Puckett