by While Memorial Day was not officially observed until 1868 and was designed to honor the Union soldiers who died in the War Between the States, it has now evolved to honor all those who have died while fighting for our country.
In that spirit, let us honor the first eight who fell in battle. They were all killed by British regulars on April 19, 1775 on Lexington Green or nearby. Seven of the eight were members of Capt. John Parker’s company of militia while Asahel Porter had been captured earlier and was killed as he tried to escape.
- Ensign Robert Munroe, Age 63
- Jonathan Harrington, Jr., Age 31
- Samuel Hadley, Age 28
- Jonas Parker, Age 53
- Caleb Harrington, Age 23
- Isaac Muzzy, Age 31
- John Brown, Age 24
- Asahel Porter, Age 23
These farmers, tradesmen, and inn keepers faced what at the time was the strongest professional army in the world and did not flinch when it came time to take a stand.
So it is, 250 years later, on Memorial Day 2025 that we honor their sacrifice. For without their sacrifice on that April day we would have never become the United States of America.
Indeed, sir. If there is truly something to celebrate on this da of remembrance, it is that we had such men at the ties when our country needed them.
With credit to General Patton for the original quote.
Thank you for remembering!