Patriots Day

Patriots Day is a Massachusetts holiday celebrating the beginning of the American war for independence. April 19, 1775, William Dawes, Jr. and Paul Revere were sent off to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were marching to Lexington.

This morning, we took the kids down to the Old North Church for the 230th anniversary parade and saw a Paul Revere re-enactor ride off toward Lexington with a message from the mayor of Boston.

Later in the day, we visited some of the landmarks on the "Freedom Trail," including the Old South Meeting House.

Throughout its history, Bostonians have used the Meeting House as a place to debate important public issues of the day. I'm for that.

Later, we stood near the finish line of the Boston Marathon and saw some tired participants pick their post-race carbs.

Still later, my oldest daughter drove to Pawtucket and saw the AAA Red Sox lose to Buffalo in extra innings, 5-4.

It was a full day.