12 Interesting Facts about Patriots Day
It’s another April holiday but only for a few. While Bostonians know today as Marathon Monday, for other residents of Massachusetts and Maine, the third Monday in April is Patriot’s Day – a state holiday. Here are some interesting facts about Patriot’s Day.
- Patriot’s Day commemorates the events that led eventually to American independence. The celebrations last throughout the weekend.
- Massachusetts, Maine and much of the Eastern United States were British colonies until the late 18th century.
- Maine was once part of Massachusetts.
- Lexington and Concord were the locations for early battles in the American War of Independence.
- The American Revolution started on April 19, 1775.
- The American War of Independence or American Revolution was once known as the American Revolutionary War.
- Although this date is officially listed as a holiday in Tennessee, it is not a public holiday there.
- Although Patriot’s Day is a public holiday in those states, it is not a federal holiday.
- Many people celebrate the day by re-enacting the historical battles that started the war. These take place at Lexington Green and the Old North Bridge.
- One important feature of the re-enactment is a ride retracing the route of Paul Revere and William Dawes when they warned that the British were coming.
- In Wisconsin, where the date is not a holiday, there is special education in schools about these events on April 19.
- Patriots Day has been observed since the 18th century. In addition to battle re-enactments, flag raising and costume parades form part of the celebrations.
Looking for Patriot’s Day celebrations? Here’s a list of events planned for Patriot’s Day 2012.
Don’t forget about our airport parking coupon if when you fly into Massachusetts or Maine for Patriot’s Day.
Image: mcritz/Flickr
Tags: holidays, patriots day, state holidays, Travel Fun
