Patriots' Day is a civic holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord fought on April 19, 1775, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It is observed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and state of Maine. Observances and re-enactments of these first battles of the American Revolution occur annually at Lexington Green in Lexington, Massachusetts, (around 6am) and The Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts (around 9am). In the morning, a mounted reenactor with State Police escort retraces Paul Revere's ride, calling out warnings the whole way.
The Boston Marathon is run on Patriots' Day every year so many Bostonians know the holiday as "Marathon Monday". The Boston Red Sox have traditionally been scheduled to play at home in Fenway Park on Patriots' Day every year since 1959. Since 1968 the games have started early in the morning around 11:00 AM. The early start to these games usually resulted in the game ending just as the marathon is heading through Kenmore Square. However, since 2007 the marathon has started between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM, resulting in the racers going through Kenmore towards the middle of the Red Sox game.
Having run in 4 Boston Marathons, 1986, 1987, 1996, and 2000, I can tell you first hand that the atmosphere in Boston will be absolutely electric. As you can see, there is no paucity of activity, whether you would like to relive some of the nations history, or perhaps become part of history, it is entirely up to you.
When the first Patriots fired the shot heard round the world, I am sure they weren't giving any thought to what would be happening 200+ years later. To the Patriots and the Founding Fathers, I salute you; to the Red Sox, thanks for 2004 and 2007; and to the men and women toeing the line in Hopkington, run like the wind and have fun. There is nothing quite like running the Boston Marathon, and "remembah" to drink plenty of "watah", take lots of "pitchas", then "aftah" the race, have some "pizzar" and a cold "beeha"!
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I watched some of the race on TV today and thought of the fun times we had watching you run Boston. We'd set up at the half way point in Wellesley with great anticipation. You'd have a pretty good idea when you'd be passing us so we could cheer you for about 30 seconds! Then we'd pack up and head home. There was that one year we left and headed in to Boston to the finish line. I still think I have one of those paper coverings they hand out to warm you up. Thanks for the memories, Steve.
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Susan
Loved those "picnics" - road side - as we waited for you to swoosh by us. One year I remember playing the part of Rosie Ruiz - I jumped into the race and think I ran with you for 100 yds - my 30 seconds of fame!! Go Patriots - it's never too soon to think of football - the Patriots Day we celebrate reminded me that football is a mere marathon away. Love Jean
ReplyDeleteYou are right the city was electric that day. I watched some of the runners come down Beacon Street on my lunch break. Maybe someday I'll be part of history and run it myself! I have to admit I was a little inspired watching the race and thinking of you and the other Uncles that have done it. Laura
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