Ask anyone across the country to name ten things they were taught about the American Revolution and you will get a myriad of answers.  But, as a minimum, you can be certain three names will be in that list: Lexington, Concord and Washington crossing the Delaware.  With 2000 being the 225th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolution, how can one pass up the chance to participate in the reenactment of the "Shot heard 'round the world"?  Probably the most famous of all battles, a small band of 60 men, lead by Captain John Parker, would stand against an army of British soldiers that vastly outnumbered them, and instigated the skirmish that would begin the Revolution, and lead to the emergence of a new country.

     Touted as the largest reenactment ever, over a thousand reenactors and a quarter of a million spectators descended upon the stretch between Lexington and Concord known as Battle Road.  British troops retraced the entire march, as well as the midnight ride of Paul Revere, his capture, and the subsequent battle on Lexington Green.  Reporters came from all points of the globe, including China, Russia, Japan and, of course, Great Britain.  How could you NOT want to be a part of this historic event?  Four members of our unit made the trek to Massachusetts, lending three muskets to the impressive line of Minutemen.  To show the Army was still taking care of their own, even 225 years later, the Massachusetts Army National Guard provided transportation to the reenactors, moving them in five ton trucks from the encampment to the battle fields.  This event was carried out on a massive scale, and our hats are off to the organizers of this event, who left no contingency untackled.

     More than just another reenacting event, this was also a voyage into family history for one of our members.  CLICK HERE to read how the journey to Massachusetts and involvement in the Battle of Lexington was not just another trip, but a return to his 'roots' and a better appreciation of his heritage.

Getting ready to head off to battle

The British march across a field

... then take a cool break

Gordon singed his hair, eyebrows and lashes

Minutemen board Army trucks to the next stop

Gordon and Mitch await their turn

Tight quarters, but we all fit

Donah was there to greet us

Grand panoramic of the British camp from our side

Merriment continues well into the night

Even the Brit's dropped by

Statue honoring those who fought on Lexington Common

Lexington Common ... where it all started

Captain Parker's famous words

Parting shot ... time to head home

Diorama of the battle on Lexington Common