…..has become a Krum family tradition of three years now! (We skipped last year though, because of rain.) It is a holiday in Massachusetts to commemorate the Battle of Lexington and Concord which began the Revolutionary War. (Remember, “one if by land and two if by sea,” Paul Revere’s midnight ride, etc.) Well, there is a very authentic re-enactment of the battle every Patriot’s Day.

One reason that it is authentic is because it starts at 5:30 a.m. – the time of the actual battle. We spent the night at a friend’s house in Concord Sunday night, and got up at 4 a.m. so as to get dressed and make it to the Lexington green by 5 a.m. We brought our ladders so we could actually SEE the battle. There is no provision made for spectators, so unless you want to arrive at 3 or 4 a.m. bring your ladder so you can see over the 5 or 6 rows of people in front of you!

At around 5:30 there is a scuffle off to the side, and Paul Revere rides through town notifying colonists of the impending arrival of the British. Over the next 30 minutes, the Minutemen gather themselves to prepare for confrontation, and on a loud speaker the story of the battle is told.

Then the Red Coats begin arriving. They just keep coming and coming, and it is immediately obvious that the Minutemen are greatly outnumbered.

Shots are fired, and men fall to the ground on both sides, but the Red Coats prevail and drive the Minutemen off the town green. Women and children then flock to the battle scene to aid the fallen soldiers – their husbands and fathers. The British march off to the to the tune of “Yankee Doodle.”

6:30 a.m. and time for a hot breakfast. We found a great little cafe in Arlington, MA and had omelettes, fruit bowls, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, and sausage. Also, much needed hot tea, and take a look at those hot chocolates with mile high whipped cream!

Next, we drove back into Concord (all of these towns are next to one another and minutes apart) to watch their Patriot’s Day Parade. The kids are pictured here with an actual Son of the American Revolution, and a Marine he told us “in case we weren’t impressed simply by his American roots!” These folks take their heritage very seriously….”Those re-enactors do a good job, don’t get me wrong, but WE are the real deal – actual sons and daughters of the Revolution!”

This is a great parade! Lots of colonial dress, marching bands, and even Louisa May Alcott and her fellow authors of the period make an appearance every year. The Alcott Home and Walden Pond are both in Concord and so much fun to visit! (Would you believe that Walden Pond is a popular swimming hole in the area. When the summer heats up, its beach is covered with sun bathers, children with sand toys, and groups of teenagers splashing in the water! Wonder what Henry David would say to that?)

The other big event of the day is the famous Boston Marathon! We love going in to the city and watching the runners enter what is their last of 26 miles. The atmosphere is very festive and there is lots of cheering, which is what many runners credit for giving them the encouragement to finish what is a very difficult course.
Lastly, we took the “T”, the subway, to Quincy Market, an indoor/outdoor shopping and dining area, and then walked to the harbor. We watched the boats coming and going, as well as the airplanes, since the airport in located across the harbor on a sort of island. It was a great day and always a fun tradition and getaway.