Overview

• Public readings of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, 'Paul Revere’s Ride,' were held, including a gathering at Portland’s Eastern Cemetery led by historian Libby Bischof.
• Lantern-lighting ceremonies and bell ringings took place in Maine as part of the national Let Freedom Ring celebration, commemorating the fight for liberty and justice.
• Historians continue to clarify inaccuracies in the popular narrative, such as Revere not riding alone or shouting 'The British are coming!' during his midnight warning.
• The Battles of Lexington and Concord were pivotal in rallying colonial resistance, with the British suffering significant casualties during their retreat to Boston.
• The commemorations emphasize both the historical significance of the events and their enduring relevance to civic values and collective memory in the United States.