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Monday, April 19, 2010

Happy Patriots' Day!!!!

On April 18 and 19, 1775, a storm was brewing. Soldiers were marching, patriots were waiting, children were sleeping. Dr. Joseph Warren had learned of the Brit's plan to march to Lexington to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock, and then continue to Concord to destroy the colonists' munitions. Dr. Warren notified his 'workers' who notified Sexton Robert Newman. He climbed the steps of Christ Church and lifted 2 lighted lanterns in the steeple tower. Those lanterns showed to the watching patriots on the other side of the water that the British would be coming to them by sea. 1 lantern if by land, 2 lanterns if by sea. Paul Revere rode through the night to warn Hancock and Adams to flee and then rode, with another rider, to warn the colonists that the British were on their way.



The colonists gathered in defiance. The British commander told them to disperse; they held firm. He told his troops to fire; they hesitated. Books tell conflicting stories as to who fired the first shot. But that shot was heard 'round the world. The Brits could not believe that the colonists, a rabble of farmers and store keepers, would dare to stand against them.



April 19 is Patriots' Day. A day dedicated to commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord. The patriots of long ago spent months, even years, in preparation physically, mentally, and emotionally for an uncertain future. As preppers we also prepare, though not for so great a battle. We prepare for job loss, natural disaster, power outages, government failure. We also prepare for an uncertain future.



A thoroughly delightful book highlighting the few hours on the evening of April 18th and morning of the 19th, 1775, is 'Two if By Sea' by Leonard Everett Fisher. It is filled with excitement and suspense, and has beautiful black ink pictures.



Here is a link to the poem Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I read it every year on this day and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes and make me swell with pride for the actions taken by those who came before us. Gather your family and read it aloud, if you like!



To all the patriots out there: Happy Patriots' Day!!!



Prep On!
Gen-IL Homesteader





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4 comments:

Humble wife said...

Woo hoo Happy Patriots Day right Back at ya!

Love Paul Revere's ride and made the kids memorize it for homeschool!
Jen

Aloha2U said...

Happy Patriots Day! Thank you for the history reminder!

Gen-IL Homesteader said...

What a great idea! I read the poem every year to the kids, but never thought of making them memorize it! Now I have to read it to hubby since the kids are gone!!! Thanks, Jen!

Gen-IL Homesteader said...

Thanks, Aloha!

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