April 15, 2024 Patriots Day. "The regulars are out!, the regulars are out!", the alarm is spread across Middlesex County. The church bells sound the alarm in Carlisle and the militia assemble on the green.
Every year on Patriots Day (the third Monday in April) we commemorate this most important event that initiated American's fight for independence on April 19, 1775. The 6th Middlesex reenacts the sounding of the alarm in several Middlesex county towns, the response by the local militia and minute companies, followed by the march to the Old North Bridge in Concord. The company forms three groups marching from Chelmsford, Westford and Carlisle, arriving at the bridge at approximately 8:30am, joining other companies from towns west of the river, just the same as in 1775.
The march from Carlisle to the bridge follows the original route with much of it through the uninhabited Estabrook Woods.
Our youngest private checks on the status of the British detachment guarding the bridge, while more and more militia gather outside the home of Major John Buttrick.
The Regiment on the move in the parade passing in front of the historic Colonial Inn. Rejoicing at the end of ten or more mile hike for many.
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