LEXINGTON, Mass.—On April 19, 1775, the Massachusetts colonial militia fought against British troops in Lexington and Concord in the first battle of the American Revolution—and won a decisive victory.
As the 250th anniversary of the battle approaches, the Massachusetts government and residents prepare for a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington.
On April 19, government officials, VIPs, and local residents gathered in Lexington, the birthplace of American liberty, to officially kick off the 365-day countdown to the anniversary.
“We also see it as a civic responsibility, to live up to the ideals and freedoms others fought for, to ensure that the lessons that we learned and that we have taught through these amazing experiences are not lost on those of us who are so fortunate to live in this commonwealth today,” Kim Driscoll, lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, said at the countdown event.
In addition to Massachusetts officials, British and French consuls general traveled from Boston to attend. While reflecting on the past, they emphasized their current friendship and alliances with the United States.
British Consul General Peter Abbott OBE said: “249 years ago, the idea that in 2024, His Majesty’s official representative in Boston would be taking part in such an event would have seemed like wild fantasy, that we went from warring enemies to establishing the deepest partnership the world has ever seen, fighting side by side with the French for freedom in World War II, to invest over a trillion dollars in each other’s economies.”
He mentioned that he had walked through the route that his countrymen took 249 years ago and paid tribute to both British soldiers and the Minutemen who sacrificed in the war.
Contrary to Britain, France supported the United States during the American Revolution. Mustafa Soykurt, consul general of France in Boston, referred to his country as “the oldest ally of the United States.”
“As we commemorate this historic milestone, it is important to reflect on the enduring friendship between France and the United States. Our nations have stood side by side in times of triumph and adversity, bound not only by treaties and alliances but by a profound belief of liberty and equality,” he said.
After a short parade, guests unveiled a 250th-anniversary countdown sign in anticipation of a series of historical reenactments and anniversary celebrations to come next year.
Suzanne Barry, chair of the Lex250 Commission, thanked her team members for their dedication and then encouraged residents and tourists to participate in the celebration next year.
“We want to be sure that you mark your calendars for April 17 through [April] 21 of 2025 to attend all our special events in Lexington and the surrounding communities,” she said.
