Local SAR Chapter at Lexington & Concord for 250th Anniversary

Article by: Kenneth L. Bonner, Past President SMJC Chapter VA SAR and 2nd VP Virginia SAR. Boston, Massachusetts: “One if by land and two if by sea” is a famous phrase from the poem of “Paul Revere’s Ride,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written in 1860. Longfellow’s poem recounts the hanging of two lanterns in the steeple of Boston’s old North Church, signaling Revere to ride to the towns of Lexington and Concord, to alert the citizenry that about 700 British regulars were on the march to seize illegal munitions believed to be stored in Concord.

Two hundred and fifty years later, on April the 18th, 2025, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) were at the old North Church to observe this historic event in our nation’s history. Representing the SAR was President General Darryl Addington, who delivered a proclamation on behalf of the Society commemorating the significance of Revere’s ride, and the ensuing battles of Lexington and Concord.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter of Loudoun County, Virginia was represented by past Chapter president Ken Bonner. Also present were hundreds of participants and observers from the city of Boston, including other heritage societies such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Children of the American Revolution.

The Friday evening festivities were followed by events west of the city the following morning, commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord. The Massachusetts Society SAR led Compatriots, many in 18th century military and civilian attire – under arms and carrying colors, through the streets of Concord to the old North Bridge and site of the consequential “shot heard round the world,” routing the British regulars resulting in their retreat to Boston.

The SAR was represented by more than 150 participants, and included numerous heritage, civil and community and public service organizations, over a five-mile parade route.