LEXINGTON – With British troops headed to Concord on April 19, 1775, Captain John Parker and the Lexington Militia made the first stand for democracy on Lexington Green.
Eight members lost their lives, but the Militia succeeded in delaying British troops in what is known today as the Battle of Lexington.
With the swipe of ceremonial sword on Saturday, Sept. 21, members of the modern Lexington Minutemen cut a cake in honor of Captain Parker’s 295th birthday. “Parker’s Prelude” was the second official event in the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Lexington, organized by the Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250).
Community music groups performed at the Lexington High School auditorium. The Lexington Bicentennial Band and Concord Band combined their talents for the first time. The William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps also performed. The Children’s Community Chorus sang inspirational and patriotic songs, leading the audience in “You’re a Grand Old Flag” as audience members waved small American flags.
Three Minutemen cut through a small cake with a topper depicting the Lexington Minuteman statue, which has come to symbolize Parker and his bravery. About 200 people in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” with accompaniment from the Jamaica Plain Honk Band.
Parker’s Prelude opened with “Riding Through History,” a public art installation of Fiberglas horses along Massachusetts Avenue. The horses reflect Lexington’s history, equestrian past, and the efforts of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others to warn townspeople about the advancing British troops on April 18, 1775.
Installations unveiled were:
- “Ed-Broidery,” by artist Renee Majkut, at the U.S. Post Office. Majkut’s work embodies both crafts and colors of the town’s landmarks.
- “Illumi-neigh-ted,” by artists Emily Bhargava and Tova Speter, on Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington Center at Grain Mill Alley. This installation includes a light-up lantern as carried by Revere and Dawes, reflecting the glow of hope in all.
- “Landmarks,” by artist Dawn Evans Scaltreto, at the Lexington Historical Society. This horse depicts the iconic Buckman Tavern and the Belfry, as well as flora and fauna of the period.
- “Peace, Love, Music,” by artist Howie Green, at the Lexington Visitors Center. This horse evokes the hope of pop music culture of the 1960s and 1970s, and the goal of unity in future society.
“This is a way to celebrate our important events, but also a route to provoke thought, spark interest, and encourage conversation and connection within the community,” said Lex250 Commission member Jillian Tung, who leads the music and arts subcommittee.
Designs were selected by a panel from among more than 30 submissions. Laurie Bogdan served as project curator.
The Lex250 Commission wishes to thank Wilson Farm Bakers for creating Captain Parker’s cake. The Commission also thanks the Lexington Department of Public Works and the Lexington Historic Districts Commission for their support and guidance in bringing “Riding Through History” to fruition.