Patriots' Day is an American civic holiday commemorating the first battles of the American Revolutionary War: the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the Battle of Menotomy, which occurred on April 19, 1775. It is a statutory holiday in Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut, and is also recognized as a public school holiday in Wisconsin and North Dakota. In 2025, the holiday will be observed on Monday, April 21, as it is celebrated annually on the third Monday of April.
The observance of the holiday is deeply rooted in historical reenactments and civic commemorations. Events often begin with simulations of Paul Revere's and William Dawes' "Midnight Rides" to warn colonists of the approaching British troops. On the morning of the holiday, historical societies and minuteman companies stage reenactments of the skirmishes on Lexington Green and at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. A central and internationally recognized component of the modern holiday is the Boston Marathon, which has been run every Patriots' Day since 1897, making it the world's oldest annual marathon. The race follows a route from Hopkinton to Boston, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators.
For 2025, the day will function as both a solemn remembrance of the first military engagements of the American Revolution and a significant cultural and athletic event. It serves as a tribute to the early pursuit of American liberty and civic responsibility. The combination of historical commemorations and major public events like the 129th Boston Marathon solidifies its unique character as a holiday that links a pivotal moment in national history with contemporary community celebration.
