The keyword phrase functions as an interrogative clause, a complete grammatical structure used to ask a question. It is not a single part of speech. Its components include the verb "is," the noun "Monday," the proper noun phrase "Patriots' Day," and the prepositional phrase "in Massachusetts." The primary grammatical purpose of this clause is to seek a factual confirmation or denial regarding the observance of a specific holiday on a particular day within a designated location.
Yes, Patriots' Day is a state holiday observed on a Monday in Massachusetts. Specifically, it is celebrated on the third Monday in April. This observance commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War. The holiday was originally observed on the fixed date of April 19th but was shifted in 1969 to its current Monday observance to create a three-day weekend.
The interrogative nature of the phrase seeks a definitive answer, which is a qualified "yes." The qualificationthat it occurs on the third Monday of April, not just any Mondayis the essential detail. This specificity has practical applications, as the holiday's date determines the running of the Boston Marathon and the closure of state, county, and some municipal offices and public schools within Massachusetts.
