John Parker Day
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John Parker was a farmer, blacksmith, and militia captain, born in Lexington, Massachusetts on July 13, 1729. He served in the French and Indian War and saw firsthand the horrors of battle.
On the morning of April 19, 1775, Parker was alerted that British troops were on their way to Lexington. He knew that the British were coming to disarm the militia, and he knew that if they did, it would be a sign that war was coming.
Parker gathered his men and gave them a simple order: “Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”
The British arrived and ordered the militia to disperse. Parker refused, and the British opened fire. Eight militiamen were killed, and ten were wounded.
The British then marched on to Concord, where they met with even more resistance from the militia. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first shots fired in the American Revolutionary War.
Parker died of tuberculosis in September 1775, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as a hero who stood up for his beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
John Parker was a true patriot who helped to shape the course of American history. His courage and determination are remembered on John Parker Day, April 19th
You can celebrate John Parker Day by:
- Read books about the American Revolutionary War.
- Watch a movie or documentary about the American Revolutionary War.
- Write a report about John Parker or the American Revolutionary War.
- Create a poster with John Parker’s Famous quote.
- Make a model of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
- Put on a play or reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can come up with many other ways to celebrate John Parker Day and learn about his important role in American history.
Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar & save this holiday for next year!
You can also pin the image below to your Pinterest boards to save this fantastic holiday!
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