Posted by Bill R on May 04, 2000 at 10:33:17:
In Reply to: Re: Belated report from Battle Road 2000 posted by Sarah M. on May 04, 2000 at 05:05:51:
Lookin' good Sarah! Looking REAL good!! And looking happy too!
Thanks for the kind words. Glad one Mohicanland resident could help make another's big b'day a little happier.
BillyGnome
: Thanks Rich. Check the site again after the weekend. I have a zillion great photos now in digital that I'm putting up and you might recognize some of the places and some of the action. That was an amazing event to have as my first real event, and I fear the rest will pale in comparison!
: See you soon, in more period gear!
: Sarah
: : Ah yes ... Memories!!! Twice we were there, though as mere spectators. A truly awesome, and most moving, experience. Sarah, that is an absolutely fabulous photo of you in period gear!!! Love it ... the powder horn ain't bad either!
: : You ARE lucky!!!
: : See you in June!
: : : Dear MohicanLanders -- I'm very very belatedly giving you a report on an extraordinary event that took place nearly three weeks ago -- Battle Road 2000 (April 14-16). This was the 225th Anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, at Concord and Lexington MA. And while this event is re-enacted every year, this year was organized so as to be the largest event of its kind ever, and I think it must have been. They fielded one of the largest number of British Regulars ever, as well as many more militiamen than ever. I have to say that growing up in Colorado, where history began with the Gold Rush, the Rev War was never high on my list of cool things, but I also have to say that this was WAY COOL and I'm sorry I didn't know about it before.
: : : You may know I've taken up re-enacting, so I got to participate -- not watch on the sidelines, which thousands of people did -- but actually DO the thing. And I found it so much more moving than I ever expected. We were formed into companies and practiced the drills the minutemen had been practicing. We were read the orders of the day in which we learned that troops of British regulars were coming to seize our arms and munitions and perhaps cause damage to our homes, families, and livelihoods. We were read a prayer and the 23rd Psalm, and then at 6:30 am we marched to the Old North Bridge to meet the British. And as I saw the redcoats on the bridge, I had to blink back the tears. It amazed me then how much people really gave their all for those battles. My musket had blanks, theirs had real lead balls. And some of the men had only pitchforks!
: : : We chased the British off the bridge and into the woods, and there all three battalions of militiamen faced the regulars. The battles were heated and smoke was thick in the air, even though it was a clear day. Later on, we fought the British again at Hastings Park in Lexington and chased them up Battle Road (Massachusetts Avenue). Again, I was really moved by (1) the crowd and (2) the realness of it all. Sure, the buildings didn't look quite right, but this is as close to studying history as I think anyone can get!! That's really powerful. I certainly feel differently about the Revolutionary War. And I definitely feel I was lucky to have been at Battle Road 2000!!!
: : : Anyway, for your amazement and amusement, here is how this Mohicanite celebrated her 40th Birthday (under her nom de guerre)!! As you check out the picture, be sure to admire the truly fine birthday gift of a hand-carved powder horn!!
: : : Best regards to all,
: : : Sarah M.