In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the National and Massachusetts Societies hosted a large multi-day event that was an absolute success and well-attended by many.

April 18th kicked off the celebrations with a visit to Boston, where a local fife & drums group performed. Following this was a reenactment play called Revolution’s Edge, which tells the story of internal conflict and strife between locals who wished for independence but were wary of British retaliation. The cast included Rev. Dr. Mather Byles Jr., a Loyalist of the Old North Church in Boston, Captain John Pulling Jr., a Patriot who worked alongside Paul Revere, and Cato, and African enslaved man to the Reverend who was then separated from his family when the Reverend wanted to move away before conflict erupted.

The play was followed by a few brief announcements from local officials (such as the mayor) regarding Boston250. The Boston Freemasons were also present, who helped sponsor the night. The two lanterns were then lit in the church ceremoniously to signify to Revere that the British were arriving by sea. (Remember, one lantern if by land, two if by sea.) Paul Revere then road by on horseback to the river where he rowed across. A drone show took place to show various key moments of the time period.

April 19th was a very big day for the SAR. The morning opened up with a musket volley at the Old Hill Burial Ground in Concord, followed by the Concord Patriots Day Parade. Traditionally there are two groups in the parade, the main three local chapters or societies, followed by the second extremely large group of all parade sponsors. The Massachusetts SAR is normally halfway in the second group. This year, MASSAR was FIRST in the entire procession of the second group, and argued to have the DAR and CAR follow as well, which they did. During the ceremony at the bridge, the SAR was the backdrop behind the monument for the entire length of the ceremony.

Thirty-four state societies were represented during this event, including California SAR and Florida SAR. Harris Ferry Chapter President Lemon attended, and during the parade distributed SAR250 pins to the crowd during the march. Neighboring Gov. Joseph Heister Chapter President Reinhart also made the trip; Compatriot Reinhart is the upcoming PASSAR President.

The evening concluded with a delicious meal and banquet held at the Burlington Marriott. Two guest speakers, Christian DiSpigna and Brooke Barbier held a joyous debate as to who was more influential: Dr. Joseph Warren or John Hancock. CAR President Reese Holmes and her father MASSAR President James Holmes conducted the conversation. Upcoming MASSAR President Chris Tourtellot led the evening.

President General Addington was the recipient on behalf of the SAR of various items and donations: a stained glass window of a minuteman that was finally restored, as well as four past SAR Congress Badges presented by Harris Ferry President Lemon.

April 20th was the final day of the 250th celebration, which included historic tours of Lexington, Concord, Revere’s capture site, and the Hartwell Tavern all led by MASSAR as tour guides.

An extreme shoutout to all compatriots that attended and participated, as well as the entirety of the Massachusetts Society SAR for hosting. Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord could not have been more successful and eventful. The SAR name was spread to many new faces, and will hopefully resonate well toward membership.

Huzzah!

Specifically from President Lemon: A special thank you to Chris and Scott Tourtellot, James Holmes, Keith Weissinger, and PG Addington. You all made this trip to Boston outstanding, the presentation of the old SAR medals very meaningful, and all around very good camaraderie. Chris also called me the next night to check in, as he heard about my misfortune with a double flat tire right as went to leave the hotel! That goes miles when a fellow brother checks in and makes sure you made it home okay, so thank you for that. I also got to meet fellow younger members of the SAR, such as Andrew Akers, and Drew Hight, who safely transported my donation back to Headquarters. All-in-all a phenomenal trip, thank you all, and I hope to see you all soon in PA for the 250th of the Declaration!