Lexington and Concord celebrate semiquincentennial

Local News

Both towns held numerous events in honor of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Military planes fly over the Concord250 North Bridge Ceremony on April 19, 2025. Craig F. Walker / Globe Staff

In the early morning of April 19, 1775, British troops clashed with American colonists in the fateful Battles of Lexington and Concord. It marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the fight for independence.

Now, 250 years after that historic April 19, Lexington and Concord celebrated with reenactments, parades, and other events to honor the United States Semiquincentennial.

The day started early in both towns, with a 5:15 a.m. reenactment of the Battle of Lexington followed by pancake breakfasts in Lexington and a 6 a.m. dawn salute in Concord. Lexington hosted its 111th Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race, its annual USS Lexington Ceremony commemorating the battle and its legacy, and a tree dedication ceremony hosted by the Lexington chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Paul Revere’s famous Midnight Ride makes its way from the North End to Charlestown
Lexington unveiled a 250th commemorative arch. It did not go according to plan.

There was a rededication of the Lexington Battle Green featuring a skydiving performance by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, patriotic songs played by the U.S. Army Fife & Drum Corps, and precision drills performed by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard.

“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 at the event. “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.”

Approximately 2,700 marchers, reenactors, and performers participated in a 2.5-mile parade along Massachusetts Avenue from Maple Street to Worthen Road.

Concord also hosted a parade with a ceremony at Old North Bridge, followed by an afternoon town-wide block party.

The day ended with performances — Lexington’s Bicentennial Band, formed in 1974 in preparation for the 200th anniversary of the Battle on the Green and playing ever since, performed music inspired by the revolutionary period, Concord hosted a drone show at Concord-Carlisle High School.

Here’s what the scene looked like in Lexington and Concord:

The Concord Minute Men fire a 21 gun salute during the Concord250 North Bridge Ceremony in Concord on April 19, 2025. The event marked the beginning of the Revolutionary war 250 years ago, with the first skirmishes in Lexington and Concord. – Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

The event marked the beginning of the Revolutionary war 250 years ago, with the first skirmishes in Lexington and Concord. – Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Spectators gather to watch Lexington’s 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade along Massachusetts Ave on Saturday Afternoon. – Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe

Spectators gather to watch Lexington’s 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade along Massachusetts Ave on Saturday afternoon. – Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe

The Middlesex County Volunteers parade across the North Bridge arriving for the Concord250 North Bridge Ceremony in Concord, MA on April 19, 2025. – Craig F. Walker / The Boston Globe

Members of Lexington High School Marching Band perform during Lexington’s 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade along Massachusetts Ave on Saturday Afternoon. – Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe

Lexington native and actress/comedian Rachel Dratch waves to spectators during Lexington’s 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade. – Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe

Participants in Lexington’s 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade. – Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe

Attendees raise a sign above the crowd during the Concord250 North Bridge Ceremony in Concord. – Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

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