Patriots' Day is an official state holiday in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is observed annually on the third Monday in April to commemorate the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, which took place on April 19, 1775.
The observance is legally established by state statute and results in the closure of state, county, and municipal offices, as well as many public schools and private businesses. In addition to Massachusetts, Maine also recognizes it as an official state holiday, and Wisconsin observes it as a special public school holiday. The date is historically significant as it marks the beginning of the armed conflict for American independence.
This state holiday is distinct from the national observance known as Patriot Day, which occurs on September 11th. The national day was established to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks of 2001. The similar naming can be a source of confusion, but the two holidays commemorate entirely different historical events and have separate legal recognitions.
