Special to the Patriot-Bridge
Jackson Kuchova, age 5, gets a ride on Paul Revere’s horse, Brown Betty at City Square Park Monday, April 20.
the event.
While Marathon Monday has nudged the story of Paul Revere into the background in recent decades, Patriots’ Day remains the true holiday honoring the birth of the American Revolution. Before it became a fixed Monday holiday, the date was always celebrated on April 19. Regardless of the calendar, Bostonians never forget the history or the heroes like Revere, who hailed from right across the water in the North End.
The annual reenactment of that famous journey remains a local highlight. After the lanterns signaled the arrival of British ships in the harbor, Revere had one singular mission. Back in 1775, he rowed across to Charlestown, landing near the area known today as City Square. In modern times, the excitement centers on City Square Park.
A crowd of “Townies,” young families, and longtime residents gathered recently to watch for Revere and his faithful steed, Brown Beauty. As they crossed the bridge—flanked by a modern escort of sirens and lights—Revere rode into the park shouting his warning to the cheers of everyone assembled.
The children, as always, loved every second of it. They had the chance to “talk” with the Patriot, pet his horse, and snap photos to mark the occasion. This year was extra special, as many of the kids were invited to sit atop Brown Beauty to truly feel a connection to history.
For those who missed the festivities this year, the rider will be back next year, same time and same place. One word of advice for attendees: be at City Square Park by 9:45 AM. It usually takes “Paul” about fifteen minutes to navigate the modern-day traffic—the one obstacle the real Paul Revere never had to worry about.