LEXINGTON — As dawn approached on the morning of April 19, 1775, dozens of militiamen arose to the urgent warnings of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and other riders. Ordinary men, unaware of the history they were about to make, were drawn to Lexington Green to confront the advancing British Regulars.
A shot rang out, a battle commenced, and the spirit of a new nation was forged.
Two hundred and fifty years later, on April 19, 2025, local, state, and federal officials rededicated the hallowed ground of the Revolutionary War’s first battle and renewed the call for freedom, liberty, and democracy.
Speakers at the rededication included members of the Lex250 Commission, state and federal officials, and representatives of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
“Lexington history has been the backdrop of our lives, it has been in our core. For 250 years this single Town Common has born witness to courage and sacrifice, a story of rekindling patriotic spirit, inspiring each generation to strive for a more perfect union,” said Chair of Lexington Select Board Doug Lucente. “Ordinary citizens who stood on this ground against the possible odds taught each of us what it means to defend freedom and community.”
“The Army was born from and built by citizen soldiers who answered the initial call at Lexington,” said Massachusetts Army National Guard Brigadier General Mark E. Kalin. “Among these militia units was the first battalion, 181st infantry regiment, which traces its lineage directly to those early patriots in the North regiment who took the field here 250 years ago.”
The Lexington Green is one of only eight places in the country required to fly the American flag at all times, with a permanent affixed light at nighttime, due to the ground’s historical prominence.
“With their courage, their blood, and their faith in certain unalienable rights, they reminded the world that the origin of all power is in its people,” said U.S. Rep. Katherine M. Clark.
“This is as much about the future as it is the past and how we inspire this next generation of leadership,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios. “I want as many Americans as possible to feel like this is the land of opportunity all over again.”
The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team landed on the common in a flourish.
The U.S. Army Fife & Drum Corps performed patriotic songs.
The 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” performed precision drills. Regiment units were represented by the U.S. Army Drill Team, a 19-member platoon that performs routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles, and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard. The Guard traces its roots to a unit formed in March 1776 in Cambridge to serve as bodyguard and personal escort to Gen. George Washington.
As Lex250 coincides with the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday, Army participants also rededicated Army Combat Streamer #1, symbolizing America’s first combat engagement, at Lexington.
