Today, April 19th, marks Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts, a holiday commemorating the start of the American Revolution (USAToday). The holiday honors the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy that took place on April 19th, 1775, which played a critical role in the fight for American independence (The News-Messenger). The holiday is unique to Massachusetts, with schools and state offices typically closed to celebrate (Boston.com).
One hallmark of Patriots’ Day in Boston is the annual marathon, which has taken place on the holiday since 1897 (DraftKings Nation). However, this year’s marathon was postponed to October due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (The Business Journals). Nonetheless, a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington took place today to honor those who fell in the opening battle of the American Revolution (Yahoo News).
Fenway Park has traditionally held a morning Red Sox game on Patriots’ Day since the 1960s, with an 11 a.m. start time (DraftKings Nation). Many businesses remain open on this holiday, including supermarkets and retail stores, while banks may or may not open (Worcester Telegram).
Overall, Patriots’ Day holds great significance to Massachusetts and the United States as a whole, as it celebrates the courage and determination of those who fought for American independence over 200 years ago (WWLP).
