Monday, April 16, 2012

Patriot's Day


Rather than run a "traditional" flag photograph, I took the one above looking up into the folded flag in front of our house.   It's kind of a unique shot, don't you think?
(Photo is property of Susan Wicker so please don't use it without permission.)

Today is Patriot's Day in Massachusetts.


It's been a public holiday here since 1969. 

It commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution which took place in the communities of Lexington and Concord in 1775.

Here in Massachusetts, Patriot's Day is always observed on the third Monday in April.

Maine also celebrates the holiday as it was once part of Massachusetts. 

I've never been to Lexington or Concord but would like to visit those communities some day.

In Lexington and Concord, there are re-enactments of the battles as well as the midnight ride of Paul Revere, calling out warnings that the British were coming!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow even wrote a poem about the event, titled,  "Paul Revere's Ride."



The opening lines of the long poem are:

"Listen my children and you shall hear

Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year. "


In addition to the Red Sox playing at home in Fenway Park on Patriot's Day, there's also a huge Boston Marathon that takes place annually on this holiday.

Hearing about high, hot temps forecast for today, I cannot help but feel sorry for all those poor runners.

Hope there's plenty of water for them to drink.

The holiday is fairly low key.


It's just a kind of 'remember when' holiday but one for which we will definitely fly the American flag.

I'm so thankful for the freedoms we have in the United States.

Even though this country is far from perfect, it's a great place to live and I am very grateful to be an American. 

HAVE YOU HEARD OF PATRIOT'S DAY?

9 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

The first picture was gorgeous Susan - great job.

And I agree - I am so grateful for my freedom here and I love America.

I also like the flag - the red, white, and blue is so striking.

Happy Patriot's Day.

Love, sandie

Linda O'Connell said...

Well how fun is that! your flag photo is gorgeous. I remember having to memorize that poem in elementary school. Happy Day, celebrate!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Cool photo! I thought it was a pinwheel at first. Haven't heard of Patriot's Day. So many days for everything it seems. Our Elementary Principal was supposed to run the Boston Marathon last year but his mom died and he couldn't go. I thought he was gonna make it this year (as the coordinators gave him a free pastt) but just too much going on at school (and this will be his last year in Kuwait). Wishing you a great new week. Tammy

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Susan your photo is awesome and you should watermark it!! Gorgeous. When I lived up in Mass I remember celebrating Patriots Day! I am a red, white and blue person all the way! Hugs, Linda

diane.stetson said...

I student taught in Lexington and I've been to Concord too. But I moved in 1966 so never got to celebrate Patriot's day. Have fun and enjoy the summer weather.

Marilyn the nurse said...

Susan a very nice post. I live in Lexington and my husband has been a Lexington Minuteman for many years. He was on the Battle Green this morning reinacting the battle. You should try to come to Lexington, it is a wonderful town. We have many historic sites and it is very patriotic on this weekend. All public school children have this week as their Spring vacation in Massachusetts and it fits right in with the celebration of Patriot's day.

Unknown said...

Hi Susan! That is the coolest flag picture!! I have never heard of Patriot's day... I think every State should have one. Have an awesome week!

Diane

Karen Lange said...

I too, am thankful for the great freedom we enjoy. Thanks so much for this wonderful reminder. Your photos are very clever, glad you shared!
Have a good week,
Karen

Kerrie said...

Happy Patriot's Day! Your first photograph is super, and a very creative idea.

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