Frank Barry, Columnist

Most Americans Don’t Know It’s Patriots’ Day. That’s Fine.

The US doesn’t celebrate our revolution by commemorating battles. We celebrate it by venerating our ideals.

April 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM UTC

Frank Barry is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and member of the editorial board covering national affairs. He is the author of the new book, "Back Roads and Better Angels: A Journey Into the Heart of American Democracy."

Patriots wanted!
Photographer: Sophie Park/Getty Images North America

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Happy Patriots’ Day to all Americans!

Wait, you didn’t know it was happening? Fair enough: Your state probably doesn’t recognize the holiday, which commemorates the battles at Lexington and Concord fought on April 19, 1775. Only six states do, and only Massachusetts observes it with any real fanfare. But that’s OK. In fact, it’s a reflection of American greatness.