The keyword term "Patriot's Day" is a proper noun. In Massachusetts, Patriot's Day is observed on the third Monday of April. For the year 2024, this date is Monday, April 15.
The date of Patriot's Day is determined by state law in Massachusetts and Maine, designating the third Monday in April for its observance. This legal definition ensures the holiday is part of a three-day weekend. The holiday 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. Prior to 1969, the holiday was officially observed on April 19, but it was shifted to the Monday schedule to align with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act's principle of creating long weekends.
As a result of this floating date system, the specific calendar day for Patriot's Day varies each year, falling anywhere from April 15 to April 21. This state-specific holiday is most famously associated with the annual running of the Boston Marathon, an event that traditionally takes place on the same day, drawing significant local and international attention.
