Nation Commemorates 250th Anniversary of Lexington and Concord

The 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, often referred to as the start of the American Revolution and the origin of the 'shot heard round the world,' is being commemorated across Massachusetts and beyond with a range of events, reenactments, and educational exhibits. In Lexington and Concord, commemorations include early morning reenactments, parades, and ceremonies at key historic sites, though they are more subdued than the large-scale celebrations of the bicentennial. Museums, such as the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, are marking the occasion with rare displays of Revolutionary War flags, highlighting the historical significance and evolution of these banners. Local communities, like Agawam, are hosting hands-on historical reenactments and educational activities to engage the public in the history and daily life of the era. The anniversary is also prompting reflection on the causes of the Revolution, including the colonists' resistance to British overreach and the principles later articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Together, these activities underscore the enduring legacy and global impact of the events that began on April 19, 1775.