Patriots Day Fever

Every year, our Commonwealth celebrates Patriots Day to commemorate the battles of Lexington and Concord--the very first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Indeed, the events of and leading up to April 19, 1775 have been all but imprinted in our minds since we were in elementary school: The signal from Boston's Old North Church--"one if by land, two if by sea"; the midnight rides of Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott to warn the countryside that "the British are coming"; and, of course, the rebel militia at Concord North Bridge who fired at British troops after the "Shot Heard Round The World."

Though the battles represent the start of our nation's fight for independence, Patriots Day is a holiday unique to Massachusetts. Every year in Concord, troops of minutemen assemble at dawn to reenact the march to the Old North Bridge and the subsequent battle with the redcoats while over in Lexington, history buffs watch a similar reenactment of the skirmish on the green.

It's no real coincidence that the Boston Marathon--one of this state's greatest spectator and participatory events--takes place on Patriots Day. The city is shut down anyway, and people who would normally be at work or school take time out to line the streets cheering for those determined enough to take the 26.2-mile challenge. A lucky few get tickets for the Red Sox's annual early game, and there's generally a spirit of enthusiasm in the air. It is a time to celebrate the pride of the Commonwealth and enjoy a free Monday off.

But while most schools have canceled classes in honor of this great holiday--including that vocational school down the river--Harvard has chosen to play the Tory. Perhaps Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Brit Jeremy R. Knowles is a little bitter. Regardless, it is a shame that the only area festivity in which we'll partake is the Loker fly-by. Listen to the children of Harvard and you won't hear the midnight of Paul Revere.