Patriots' Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Patriots' Day |
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Statue of the Lexington Minuteman on the Lexington Green in Lexington, Massachusetts
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| Observed by |
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| Type | Historical |
| Celebrations | Boston Marathon |
| Observances | Battles of Lexington and Concord and Menotomy |
| Date | Third Monday in April |
| 2024 date | April 15 |
| 2025 date | April 21 |
| 2026 date | April 20 |
| 2027 date | April 19 |
| Frequency | annual |
Patriots' Day is a special holiday celebrated every year in some parts of the United States. It remembers the very first battles of the American Revolutionary War. These important battles happened in places like Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy (now Arlington).
Contents
History of Patriots' Day
How the Holiday Started
In 1894, a group called the Lexington Historical Society asked the state of Massachusetts to make April 19 "Lexington Day." But the town of Concord wanted it to be "Concord Day."
The governor at the time, Frederic T. Greenhalge, found a good compromise. He decided to call it "Patriots' Day." This name honored all the brave people who fought for freedom.
The First Battles
The battles on April 19, 1775, were the start of the American Revolutionary War. While fighting happened in Lexington and Concord, the biggest battle that day was in Menotomy. Menotomy is now known as Arlington, Massachusetts.
Thousands of local militia (citizen soldiers) gathered in Menotomy. They waited along the road where British troops would retreat to Boston. They hid in houses, behind stone walls, and in barns.
The most intense fighting happened inside a single house, called the Jason Russell House. Eleven militia members died there fighting the British soldiers. In total, 25 militia members and 40 British soldiers died in Menotomy.
Why the Date Matters
Patriots' Day was first made a public holiday in Massachusetts in 1894. It replaced an older holiday called Fast Day. The date, April 19, was chosen to remember the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy.
Maine also started celebrating Patriot's Day in 1907. More recently, Connecticut began observing it in 2018. North Dakota also recognized it in 2019.
When and Where Patriots' Day is Celebrated
Holiday Observance
Patriots' Day used to be celebrated on April 19, the exact date of the battles. But since 1969, it has been observed on the third Monday in April. This creates a three-day long weekend for many people.
The holiday is celebrated in Massachusetts and Maine. Maine used to be part of Massachusetts until 1820.
School Holidays
For public schools in both Massachusetts and Maine, Patriots' Day is the first day of a spring vacation week. Many colleges and universities in these states also have a holiday on this day.
In Wisconsin, it is a public school observance day. Florida law also encourages people to celebrate it, even though it is not a public holiday there.
Holiday Events
Every year, people hold special events and re-enactments of the battles. These take place at Lexington Green and the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. There are also events in Arlington, Massachusetts, usually on the Sunday before the holiday.
You can also tour the Jason Russell House in Arlington, Massachusetts on Sunday and Monday. On Monday morning, people dressed as Paul Revere and William Dawes ride horses. They retrace the famous Midnight Rides, calling out warnings just like in 1775.
Sporting Events on Patriots' Day
The Boston Marathon
The most famous event on Patriots' Day is the Boston Marathon. This huge running race has been held every Patriots' Day since 1897. It links the idea of freedom in ancient Athens with America's fight for liberty. Because of this, some people call the holiday "Marathon Monday."
Boston Red Sox Game
The Boston Red Sox baseball team usually plays a home game at Fenway Park on Patriots' Day. This tradition started in 1959. For many years, the game would start early in the morning, around 11:00 AM. This meant the game would often end just as the marathon runners were passing through Kenmore Square nearby.
Since 2007, the marathon starts a bit earlier. So, the runners now go through Kenmore Square closer to the middle of the Red Sox game.
See also
In Spanish: Día del Patriota para niños
