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As we approach a significant milestone in American history, it is imperative to restore the legacy of the minutemen—those courageous marksmen from the Revolutionary War who stood ready to defend their communities at a moment’s notice.
This week marks the 250th anniversary of the pivotal Battles of Lexington and Concord, where the brave Massachusetts minutemen faced British soldiers attempting to seize their arms and ammunition on April 18 and 19, 1775.
In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged, with some seeking to diminish the legacy of these iconic figures. This trend raises concerns about our collective understanding of historical narratives.
In August 2023, reports surfaced indicating that a high school in California had discontinued its minutemen mascot. The school’s leadership argued that minority students could not relate to these Revolutionary War figures purely based on racial lines. Such a rationale reflects a troubling application of identity politics to historical narratives.
Understanding the Diversity of the Minutemen
It is essential to recognize that Black men also served as minutemen during the American Revolution. One notable example is Peter Salem, who ran from Framingham to fight at the Battle of Concord alongside Lawson Buckminster, the man who liberated him from slavery.
Salem’s remarkable story is featured in the upcoming film titled “The American Miracle,” set to hit theaters from June 9 to 11, 2025. As an on-camera scholar in this film, I aim to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of individuals like Salem.
Unfortunately, a growing number of Americans appear disconnected from their nation’s history, particularly the foundational years. The last prominent Hollywood film about the American Revolution was Mel Gibson’s “The Patriot,” released over 20 years ago, indicating a significant gap in cultural storytelling.
Moreover, in 2020, nationwide protests led to the vandalism of statues representing various American heroes, including George Washington and other founding leaders. Alarmingly, a report from the U.S. Department of Education in 2023 revealed that only 13% of eighth graders are proficient in American history, underscoring a disconnection from the nation’s heritage.
The Warnings of John Adams
In 1772, John Adams, who would later serve as the second president, cautioned fellow citizens in Boston about the dangers of historical distortion. He warned that tyranny could flourish when distorted perspectives replace truth in our understanding of crucial matters.
Adams famously stated, “The preservation of liberty depends upon the intellectual and moral character of the people. As long as knowledge and virtue are diffused generally among the body of a nation, it is impossible they should be enslaved.” His words resonate today as we navigate the rise of cancel culture and its impact on historical narratives.
The proliferation of misleading information has distorted our perception of America’s past. Today, grievance has supplanted gratitude, and this shift poses significant risks for future generations.
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
At 10 PM on April 18, 1775, messengers, including the legendary silversmith Paul Revere, embarked on crucial rides across the Massachusetts countryside. Their mission was clear: to alert the residents of impending danger as British troops advanced.
Revere’s task was to reach Lexington and inform figures such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock about the marching soldiers. These leaders of the Sons of Liberty relied on critical signals to notify patriots throughout the area.
In a deposition detailing his capture by a British officer during this midnight ride, Revere recounted a tense threat to his life. However, he remained resolute, stating his determination to share the truth regardless of his perilous situation.
After enduring this harrowing experience, Revere continued to fulfill his mission. Thanks to him and other messengers, numerous minutemen rapidly mobilized to defend Lexington and Concord against the British advance.
A Celebration of Courage and Legacy
The historical reality of Black men serving alongside white patriots remains documented and recognized. Harriet Beecher Stowe, an ardent abolitionist, spotlighted these contributions in her 1855 work titled “The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution.”
Stowe emphasized that valor knows no racial boundaries, asserting that courage and bravery belong to all. Her writings documented the efforts of numerous Black men, including Salem, who distinguished themselves during the Revolution.
Among those celebrated were Henry Hill, Toney Proctor, and Lemuel Haynes, a Black man from Connecticut who joined the army following the Battle of Lexington. Historical estimates suggest that up to 5,000 Black men served in various capacities during the Revolution.
Stowe also chronicled Salem’s heroism at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, which also commemorates its 250th anniversary this year. Her accounts highlight how these brave individuals fought valiantly in battles that determined the course of American history.
Commemorating Our Shared History
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Two Lights for Tomorrow invites all Americans to participate in honoring this pivotal moment. On April 18, everyone is encouraged to hang two lights in their windows to reflect on the enduring legacy of heroes like Paul Revere and Peter Salem.
It is an opportunity to reclaim the narrative of the minutemen and remember those who sacrificed for our liberty. This anniversary is not just a commemoration of battles fought but a reaffirmation of the diverse contributions that shaped our nation.
