What is Patriots’ Day? The holiday goes beyond the Boston Marathon

Patriots’ Day is a celebrated holiday in New England and beyond, commemorating the start of the American Revolution with reenactments, sporting events, and parades. It specifically honors the battles of Lexington and Concord, as well as the famous “shot heard ’round the world.” Originally observed on April 19th, the anniversary of these battles, Patriots’ Day was moved to the third Monday in April in 1969 to diffuse a rivalry between the cities of Lexington and Concord, who had dueling celebrations.

Governor Frederic Greenhalge proclaimed Patriots’ Day as a holiday in Massachusetts in 1894. Since then, it has become a significant event with various activities and traditions. One of the most notable events associated with Patriots’ Day is the running of the Boston Marathon, which has been held on Patriot’s Day since 1897. The race, organized by the Boston Athletics Association, has only been canceled once in its history, in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another longstanding tradition on Patriots’ Day is the Boston Red Sox playing a game, which has been a custom since 1959. This year, the Red Sox are scheduled to play against the Cleveland Guardians, with the first pitch set for 11:10 a.m. ET. The game has been postponed six times due to weather and canceled once in 2020 for the same reason.

While Patriots’ Day is most commonly associated with Massachusetts, it is also celebrated in five other states, including neighboring Connecticut and Maine. Additionally, Patriots’ Day is recognized as a school holiday in Wisconsin and North Dakota officially recognized the holiday in 2021. Florida acknowledges the holiday but it is not an official holiday in the state.

The spelling of the holiday’s name is a topic of debate, with Maine being the only state to use the singular form “Patriot’s Day,” while the rest of the country uses the plural version. Despite its cultural significance in New England, Patriots’ Day is not a federally recognized holiday.

In conclusion, Patriots’ Day serves as a day of remembrance for the beginning of the American Revolution and is celebrated with various events and activities in New England and beyond. From historical reenactments to the Boston Marathon and baseball games, the holiday brings communities together to honor the legacy of those who fought for America’s independence.

Written by staticwire