Patriots' Day is a proper noun referring to a state-level civic holiday commemorated on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin. It marks the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which were the first armed engagements of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. The holiday honors the history and early sacrifices of the American patriots who initiated the armed conflict for independence from Great Britain.
The historical events commemorated by the holiday began on the night of April 18, 1775, with the midnight rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, who were dispatched to warn of the approaching British forces. The following day, April 19, the conflict began with a skirmish on Lexington Green, followed by a more significant confrontation at the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. This battle, often associated with Ralph Waldo Emerson's phrase "the shot heard 'round the world," signified the start of open warfare. Observances of the day often include historical reenactments of these events, particularly in Lexington and Concord, as well as parades and educational programs.
In modern practice, Patriots' Day is most widely known for its association with major sporting and cultural events. The Boston Marathon, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathons, has been held on Patriots' Day since 1897. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox have traditionally hosted a morning home game at Fenway Park, making the holiday a significant day for both historical remembrance and civic celebration, particularly within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
