If I were to recommend a time to visit Boston, it would be the third week in April. Patriot's Day. There is the Boston Marathon on Monday (A must see! So inspiring!), and a whole bunch of Revolutionary War re-enactments.
This year we went to a battle re-enactment in Lexington, where the first shots of the war were fired on April 19, 1775. Like most of the town squares in Massacusetts, Lexington's original homes from the 1700's are still standing (and occupied!) along with the taverns and old rock walls. It is one of my most favorite things about Massachusetts.
The battle was to be held along an undeveloped park with trees and wooded areas. We picked a spot and watched it all unfold.
First the British solders advanced on the green in their flashy uniforms and tight formation. Then, colonists came running from the tavern and from homes around the park to resist them. There was a moment of tense silence...Then shots were fired, a canon boomed, and the battle began!
The colonists broke off into groups: some of them staying in formation on the green, some of them running to the trees to reform and fire behind coverage. At first the Redcoats outnumbered the colonists, but more and more colonists kept coming to join the battle. They fought their way across the whole park. Two generals on horses organized their strategy from behind the line. The air was full of musket smoke and yells. "Make ready! Fire!" It was seriously awesome.
They fought for about 45 minutes. So cool! At one point a British soldier "died" in front of us, but then we saw him slowly pull out his cell phone and take a selfie. Ha ha! It was determined that the colonists won! Huzzah!
It might have the best thing we've done in Boston so far. Definitely one of my favorites. I have never seen anything like it before. It was so exciting and inspiring. If I think about it too hard, I get choked up. The way this country came to be is truly miraculous. I wish more Americans today could remember that.
Here is something Patrick Henry said as events in Boston turned violent. I love his words:
"They tell us Sir, that we are weak -- unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature has placed in our power...The battle, Sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable; and let it come! I repeat, Sir, let it come!"
