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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T051500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T190000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250403T173833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T175544Z
UID:10001279-1745039700-1745089200@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington
DESCRIPTION:The Lexington Minute Men will conduct the 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Civilian Evacuation of the Battle of Lexington and the Battle of Lexington on the Lexington Battle Green on Saturday\, April 19\, 2025. \nAccording to the Lexington History Museums\, on the night of April 18\, 1775\, over 700 British soldiers were sent from Boston to Concord to destroy a store of ammunition and other supplies for an anticipated war. As dawn approached on the fateful following morning\, the town militia of Lexington stood in anxious anticipation to stand in their way. The two groups squared off on the town common\, a single\, mysterious shot rang out\, and the British soldiers opened fire. When the smoke cleared\, eight Americans lay dead\, another 10 were wounded\, and a war for independence had begun. \nEach year\, the Town of Lexington and a dedicated corps of reenactors recreate this event in real time on its original site. This year\, the event will take place on the exact anniversary of the battle. \nThe passionate and committed groups of reenactors muster around 5 a.m.\, and the bell in the Belfry will ring and the Battle will commence at 5:15 a.m. \nAttendees should arrive early!
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/reenactment-of-the-battle-of-lexington/
LOCATION:Lexington Battle Green\, Lexington Battle Green\, Lexington\, 02421\, United States
CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Celebration,Commemoration,Event,Memorial,Reenactment
ORGANIZER;CN="Lexington Minute Men":MAILTO:lex250@jgrp.net
GEO:42.4469772;-71.2245428
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T140000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250402T173421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T151735Z
UID:10001267-1745042400-1745071200@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:Special Patriots' Day Open Hours at Lexington History Museums
DESCRIPTION:Lexington History Museums is open on a special schedule for April 19! We will be open early to accommodate visitors in town for the big reenactment\, and will be closing early to coincide with the afternoon parade. Please see exact hours below.
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/special-patriots-day-open-hours-at-lexington-history-museums-2/
LOCATION:Lexington History Museums\, 13 Depot Sq\, Lexington\, 02420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Celebration,Event,Exhibit,Memorial
ORGANIZER;CN="Lexington History Museums":MAILTO:lex250@jgrp.net
GEO:42.4485967;-71.227977
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lexington History Museums 13 Depot Sq Lexington 02420 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=13 Depot Sq:geo:-71.227977,42.4485967
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T220000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250403T182912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T175707Z
UID:10001276-1745042400-1745100000@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:First Baptist Church of Lexington Pancake Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:First Baptist Church of Lexington is holding their annual Patriot’s Day Pancake Breakfast on Saturday\, April 19th from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. “All you can eat” pancakes\, sausages\, orange juice and coffee. Adults $8 Children $5. Proceeds benefit local charities. First Baptist Church is located at 1580 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington\, across from the Police station.
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/first-baptist-church-of-lexington-pancake-breakfast/
LOCATION:First Baptist Church of Lexington\, 1580 Massachusetts Ave.\, Lexington\, 02420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Celebration,Event,Memorial
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pancake-breakfast.png
ORGANIZER;CN="First Baptist Church":MAILTO:lex250@jgrp.net
GEO:42.4458715;-71.223713
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=First Baptist Church of Lexington 1580 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington 02420 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1580 Massachusetts Ave.:geo:-71.223713,42.4458715
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T120000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250402T174012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T160552Z
UID:10001280-1745049600-1745064000@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:111th Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race
DESCRIPTION:Be part of a historic tradition by registering for the 111th Lexington Lions Patriots Day 5 Mile Road Race! Set against the backdrop of scenic Lexington on April 19\, 2025\, this event not only marks a significant milestone but also embodies the spirit of Patriots Day\, a day steeped in American history. \nThis isn’t just a race; it’s a journey through time\, celebrating 111 years of running\, community\, and tradition. Embrace the opportunity to run where history was made\, and contribute to a noble cause – the Lions Club Journey for Sight program. Your participation helps us continue a legacy of service and community engagement. \nDon’t miss this milestone event. Join us as we celebrate 111 years of historic runs\, community spirit\, and charitable impact. Secure your spot at the starting line and be part of history in the making!
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/111th-patriots-day-5-mile-road-race/
LOCATION:Lexington Battle Green\, Lexington Battle Green\, Lexington\, 02421\, United States
CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Celebration,Event,Memorial,Outdoors
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/race.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Lions Club of Lexington":MAILTO:lex250@jgrp.net
GEO:42.4469772;-71.2245428
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lexington Battle Green Lexington Battle Green Lexington 02421 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Lexington Battle Green:geo:-71.2245428,42.4469772
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T100000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250407T174911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T174911Z
UID:10001328-1745053200-1745056800@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:USS Lexington Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special USS Lexington Ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington\, the historic clash that ignited the American Revolution​. On the morning of April 19\, 1775\, colonial militia and British Regulars exchanged the “shot heard ’round the world” on Lexington Green\, marking the very beginning of America’s fight for independence​. This annual ceremony honors that legacy – not only remembering the patriots who fell in 1775\, but also celebrating the enduring ties between the Town of Lexington and the five U.S. Navy vessels that proudly bore the name “USS Lexington” in later years​. In this Semiquincentennial year\, the commemoration is especially meaningful\, uniting historians\, veterans\, local residents\, and visitors in tribute to 250 years of courage and sacrifice. \nHosted by: \nThe Lexington Lions Club\, in partnership with the Town of Lexington. Veterans\, Gold Star Mothers\, and former crew member families of USS Lexington (CV-2 and CV-16) will be honored guests and participants​. Local dignitaries and officials will also be in attendance. \nLocation: USS Lexington Memorial – adjacent to the Lexington Visitors Center\, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue\, Lexington\, MA​. (Ceremony will take place outdoors\, next to the Visitors Center in Lexington Center.) \nAdmission: Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No tickets or reservations required. \nAccessibility: The memorial site is wheelchair accessible\, and seating may be available for seniors/veterans. Visitors Center facilities (restrooms\, information desk) will be open for attendees. \nCeremony Highlights \nCommemorative Program: The ceremony will begin with a presentation of the colors and the National Anthem. A moment of silence will honor the patriots of 1775 and the naval service members connected to Lexington’s legacy. \nWreath-Laying: In a poignant tribute\, wreaths will be laid at the USS Lexington Memorial to honor all who sacrificed – from the Lexington Minutemen who fell on the Green to the sailors who served on the five USS Lexington ships. This solemn wreath-laying is a central part of the observance each year\, symbolizing our community’s respect and remembrance. \nGuest Speakers: Attendees will hear brief remarks from invited speakers who bring personal and historical perspectives. Local historians will reflect on Lexington’s role at the dawn of the Revolution\, while military veterans (including representatives of the USS Lexington CV-16 Association) will share what the name Lexington means to those who served at sea. Town officials and community leaders are also expected to speak\, underscoring Lexington’s continued dedication to honoring its history. \nHonoring the USS Lexington Legacy: A key theme of the ceremony is celebrating the service of the five naval vessels named Lexington​. The program will highlight stories from each ship’s history – for instance\, noting the WW-II exploits of “Lady Lex” and the “Blue Ghost\,” or recalling how the first Lexington was named for the very battle we commemorate​. By connecting these narratives\, the ceremony paints a vivid picture of Lexington’s impact on American history both on land and at sea. \nCommunity Involvement: The event will include patriotic music performed by the Lexington High School Band. Members of local organizations – from the Lexington Minute Men Company to the Lexington Veterans Association – will participate\, standing alongside active-duty military representatives and public safety color guards. This joint involvement emphasizes the community-wide respect for those who defend our freedom. \nAs this is the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary\, the 2025 ceremony may feature special recognitions. Keep an eye out for any historical reenactors or ceremonial salutes incorporated into the program to mark this once-in-a-generation milestone. The tone of the event will be both educational and commemorative – suitable for history enthusiasts and families alike. Attending the USS Lexington Ceremony is a chance to witness history come alive\, and to be part of Lexington’s ongoing story of remembrance and patriotism. \nHistorical Background: Lexington’s Legacy from 1775 to WWII \nThe Battle of Lexington on April 19\, 1775 was the first battle of the American Revolution​. Facing a column of British Redcoats at dawn\, Lexington’s minutemen bravely stood their ground; though outnumbered\, their defiance sparked a war that would lead to American independence​. The heroism shown on Lexington Green resonated across the colonies and the world\, embedding the town’s name in the annals of history. To honor that courageous stand\, the young American navy christened one of its first warships USS Lexington in 1776\, “renamed in honor of the courageous Lexington minutemen”​. This 16-gun brigantine captured multiple British ships before ultimately being overpowered off the French coast\, demonstrating that the spirit of Lexington was present at sea in the Revolution’s earliest days​. \nOver the next two centuries\, five U.S. Navy ships would carry the name USS Lexington\, each embodying the valor and fighting spirit of 1775. The second Lexington (a sloop-of-war launched in 1825) upheld American interests from the Falkland Islands to the coast of Japan in the 1800s​. The third\, a Civil War timberclad gunboat\, spearheaded Union river operations – fighting in key battles like Fort Donelson\, Shiloh\, and the Vicksburg campaign​. In the 20th century\, the name Lexington reached new prominence with two famed aircraft carriers. USS Lexington (CV-2) – nicknamed “Lady Lex” – was built in Quincy\, MA and became one of the U.S. Navy’s first fleet carriers​. In World War II\, Lady Lex’s air squadrons scored a crucial victory by sinking the first Japanese aircraft carrier of the war (at the Battle of the Coral Sea)\, before Lexington (CV-2) was herself lost in that 1942 battle​. Her successor\, USS Lexington (CV-16) – the “Blue Ghost” – was also built at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy and commissioned in Boston in 1943​. The Blue Ghost earned an illustrious combat record in the Pacific\, participating in 35 engagements and earning 11 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her service​. (In fact\, more aircraft landed on Lexington (CV-16) than on any other carrier in history\, a testament to her long service as a training carrier after the war​.) Through each of these vessels – from a Revolutionary War brigantine to a WW-II fleet carrier – the name Lexington has symbolized American perseverance. The annual USS Lexington Ceremony brings this remarkable legacy home\, connecting the town’s pivotal Revolutionary moment with the bravery of sailors who served on the Lexington ships in later generations​. \nThe USS Lexington Memorial in Lexington \nLocated adjacent to the Lexington Visitors Center\, the USS Lexington Memorial is a striking tribute that bridges local and naval history. The memorial consists of five granite markers\, each dedicated to one of the five ships named Lexington\, and “dedicated to the memory of those who served aboard” these Navy vessels​. Erected in 1988 through a joint effort by the Lexington Lions Club and veterans from USS Lexington (CV-2 and CV-16)​\, the monument ensures that the service of all Lexington crews – from 1776 through World War II – is forever remembered in the heart of the town. Each stone marker bears a brief history of a USS Lexington\, allowing visitors to reflect on the ships’ heroic exploits (for example\, the Civil War gunboat’s valor at Shiloh\, or the carriers’ Pacific triumphs) as they stroll through this small memorial park​. Fittingly\, the USS Lexington ship’s bell is also on display at the Visitors Center next door\, offering a tangible piece of naval history for visitors to see up close​. The memorial has become a beloved landmark—externally viewable year-round​—and a focal point for community remembrance. For decades\, Lexington’s citizens and veterans have gathered at this memorial each Patriots’ Day to pay tribute. Every year on the Patriots’ Day holiday (the third Monday in April)\, the Lexington Lions Club joins forces with surviving crew members of USS Lexington (from the WWII-era carriers) to hold a remembrance ceremony​. This tradition carries on in 2025 with added significance\, as the town marks 250 years since the battle that gave Lexington its name. The memorial stands not just as a record of naval history\, but as a symbol of the town’s pride and the continuing bond between Lexington and the U.S. armed forces.
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/uss-lexington-ceremony-2/
LOCATION:USS Lexington Memorial\, Massachusetts Avenue 1875\, Lexington\, Massachusetts\, 02420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Commemoration,Memorial,Outdoors
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ORGANIZER;CN="Lexington Lions Club":MAILTO:kristen@jgpr.net
GEO:42.449173;-71.2289851
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=USS Lexington Memorial Massachusetts Avenue 1875 Lexington Massachusetts 02420 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Massachusetts Avenue 1875:geo:-71.2289851,42.449173
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250113T221210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250402T174709Z
UID:10000330-1745053200-1745082000@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:Battle Road - Minute Man National Historical Park
DESCRIPTION:This is the signature living history event at Minute Man National Historical Park\, featuring hundreds of volunteer reenactors. Throughout the day\, learn about the events of April 19\, 1775\, from many points of view. Enjoy a full schedule of living history programs and demonstrations\, including a fast-paced tactical demonstration along a restored stretch of the original Battle Road! Talk with volunteers portraying colonial civilians forced to leave their homes\, minute men who answered the sudden call to arms\, British soldiers fighting for king and country and Loyalists who saw the struggle differently from their neighbors. This is the largest\, most historically accurate tactical demonstration occurring during Patriots’ Day weekend. \nDetailed Schedule:\nSunrise Minute Man National Historical Park grounds open\n9:00 am Minute Man Visitor Center open\n9:30 am- 11:30 am Hartwell Tavern open house\n9:30 am- 11:30 am Captain William Smith open house\n9:30 am- 4:30 pm Living History Area at Minute Man Visitor Center\n11:30 am Hartwell Tavern/ Elm Brook Hill Area Closed\n11:45 am ***Elm Brook Hill Tactical Demonstration***\n12:30 pm- 4:30 pm Hartwell Tavern Open House\n1:00 pm ***Parker’s Revenge Tactical Demonstration***\n1:30 pm- 4:30 pm Living History Area at Minute Man Visitor Center Open\n1:45 pm Program details coming soon.\n3:00 pm After the Battle program at Hartwell Tavern\n3:00 pm- 4:30 pm Nathan Meriam Open House: Additional program details coming soon.\n3:00 pm Additional program details coming soon.\n4:30 pm Historic Houses closed\n5:00 pm Minute Man Visitor Center closed\nDusk Minute Man National Historical Park grounds closed \nThis event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park.
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/battle-road-minute-man-national-historical-park/
LOCATION:Minute Man National Historical Park\, 74 Liberty Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Commemoration,Event,Memorial,Outdoors,Reenactment
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-10-135743.png
ORGANIZER;CN="National Park Service":MAILTO:mark_powell@nps.gov
GEO:42.4679346;-71.3545038
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Minute Man National Historical Park 74 Liberty Street Concord MA 01742 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=74 Liberty Street:geo:-71.3545038,42.4679346
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T110000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250328T162653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T191012Z
UID:10001211-1745056800-1745060400@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:East Longmeadow Celebrates the Revolution
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday\, April 19 at 10 a.m.\, East Longmeadow will celebrate the anniversary of the American Revolution with a ceremony on the lawn in front of Town Hall. \nThe American Legion will parade from their Legion Hall and the Historical Commission will remember the minutemen who lived in what would become our town and others who served the American cause in the Revolution.
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/east-longmeadow-celebrates-the-revolution/
LOCATION:Massachusetts
CATEGORIES:Celebration,Commemoration,Memorial,Outdoors
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/flag.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T123000
DTSTAMP:20260423T205507
CREATED:20250402T174223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T180143Z
UID:10001282-1745060400-1745065800@massachusetts250.org
SUMMARY:Battle Green Rededication
DESCRIPTION:After the 250th Battle of Lexington Anniversary Reenactment\, the morning will pivot to an exciting and never-before-seen Patriotic Performance and demonstration by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington\, in a stunning audio/visual event meant to pay homage to America’s fight for liberty from 1775 to the present day.
URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/battle-green-rededication/
LOCATION:Lexington Battle Green\, Lexington Battle Green\, Lexington\, 02421\, United States
CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Celebration,Event,Memorial,Outdoors
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/army.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Lex250":MAILTO:lex250@jgrp.net
GEO:42.4469772;-71.2245428
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