Lexington Observer photographer Kunal Botla captures images from the day — from the first shot fired on the Battle Green to the last float in the parade.

The Lexington Minute Men have reenacted the “First Battle of the War for American Independence” for 49 years.
Lexingtonians and visitors watch as the Minute Men prepare for their reenactment in the early hours of April 17, 2023.
Past Captain Henry Liu of the Lexington Minute Men, tells the history of Lexington preceding the Battle and sets the scene for the beginning of the reenactment.
Beginning the reenactment, Minute Men fire warning shots to alert townspeople of approaching British Regulars.
Lexington Minute Men prepare for and wait for the approaching British Regulars.
British Regulars arrive and position in formation.
Regulars order the “rebels” to disperse.
British Regulars arm bayonets when the Minute Men don’t disperse.
A shot is fired and begins the first armed conflict of the American Revolutionary War. Who fired that first shot is still not known.
Minute Men and Regulars exchange fire on Lexington’s Battle Green.
The Minute Men are quickly overrun by the Regulars, who outnumber the Minute Men.
British Regulars return to formation as they move on towards Concord.
Lexington Minute Men in formation march to Ye Old Burial Ground where Captain John Parker of the Minute Men and a wounded British soldier are laid to rest.
Lexington Minute Men in formation march to Ye Old Burial Ground where Captain John Parker of the Minute Men and a wounded British soldier are laid to rest.
Minute Men enter Ye Old Burial Ground.
Minute Men fire a shot to honor the fallen British soldier.
And a second shot for Captain John Parker.
Ella Lucente receives the Outstanding Youth Award, given to two Lexington graduating seniors for their work in and around town.
Shruti Pokharna also receives the Outstanding Youth Award.
As parade floats were setting up, Paul Revere, on horseback, passed through Lexington on Massachusetts Avenue.
Dancers from Dance Inn passed along Mass. Ave. signaling the start of the parade. Dance Inn has led the Patriots’ Day Parade since 2002.
Members of the Chinese American Association of Lexington, Chinese Americans of Lexington, and Indian Americans of Lexington, walked and performed with the Parade.
The 2023 White Tricorne Hat Award recipient Robert Burbidge waves to onlookers. The award is given for community involvement, leadership, making a difference, and going above and beyond in volunteer service to the Town of Lexington.
Michelson’s Shoes’ 1919 Ford Model T, a car from the year of the store’s founding, passes through Lexington Center.
Bringing Independent Living Together, Inc.’s float won second place for civic award. BILT offers community-based support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Bhakti Center of Lexington’s float, first place winner of the civic award, is driven with the Parade.
Lexington Minute Men took cover from the rain under a patio of a Mass. Ave. home.
The William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps march through Lexington Center.
he William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps march through Lexington Center.

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6 Comments

  1. Reply

  2. The most important celebration for Lexington Town. History is part of each Lexingtonian and a reason to be proud of! Congratulations!!!

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  3. Kunal, these are terrific photos, made even better by your descriptions of the marching units and their histories. It’s a great story of Patriots’ Day 2023. Thanks for all those hours you stood out in the rain and damp.

    Reply
  4. Reply

  5. Kunal – excellent photos and captions. I can’t say enough about how good the quality of the photos are. Thanks so much!

    – Glen Bassett, TCC Co-Chair

    Reply

  6. Excellent photos and commentary, Kunal! Many thanks for spending long hours in the cold and occasionally rainy weather to capture and share these wonderful photos and story of Patriots’ Day in Lexington.

    Reply
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