A View From the Road
This is the place, Buckman Tavern (built in 1709) where the Minute Men gathered on April 19, 1775, before heading out to battle.
On Monday, April 15, 2012, Patriot’s Day, which marks the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the city of Boston was attacked. It is with horror and sadness that we stop to acknowledge this tragic moment; but it is with resilience and honor that we stand with Boston, with Massachusetts, and with all Americans.
America is a nation created by individuals who sought to worship God freely, to earn a living by their own hand, and to live in peace. Contrary to how Americans are so often portrayed, we are not a nation of warmongers, but rather a nation defined by our willingness to fight for what we believe in, to defend those who cannot protect themselves, and our determination to stand united when attacked by cowardly enemies who lack the strength and courage to declare themselves and their intentions.
The why of the April 15 attack has not yet been revealed, and while I am as curious as you, hoping that knowing why an eight year old, or a college student, or a daughter were killed, or why so many have been injured will provide some understanding for this senseless violence, at the end of the day what I know is that I stand with all of those who grieve today and my prayers are for our nation and for those around the world who deal with this insanity on a constant basis.
Like so many holidays in the United States, Patriot’s Day is not celebrated on the day of the actual events that it commemorates, but rather on a day designated to ensure a three day weekend, in this case it is the third Monday of the month of April, when the Boston Red Sox’s usually play a home game, the Boston Marathon is run, and there are re-enactments of the events of April 19, 1775 – this is supposed to be a joy.
If you have not visited the historic sites where the American Revolution was birthed, may I encourage you to do so now? I remember taking my Mother and my Aunt Helen and our dear Ann, as well as the girls, and anyone else who we could interest, to tour Lexington, Concord and of course Boston! Let us show our support for Massachusetts.
The Lexington Minuteman, on the Lexington Green, in Lexington, Massachusetts
