On April 18, 1775, the Battle of Lexington and Concord became known as the “Shot Heard Around the World” and ignited the American Revolutionary War; 247 years later, Maine and Massachusetts residents celebrated what is now known as “Patriots’ Day.” In three Maine communities, patriotic residents grabbed their American flags and celebrated the state holiday by marching along a local bridge or in a prominent downtown location. Lincoln County residents assembled in Wiscasset/Edgecomb at Donald E. Davey Bridge. In Bangor, patriots marched across the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge carrying flags to Brewer. And in Freeport, patriots stood at the corner of School and Main streets. 

Gene McKeever of Nobleboro heard about the event through political posts on Facebook. He and his wife Pam McKeever were among three dozen marchers who attended the Wiscasset/Edgecomb event. This was the McKeevers first Patriots’ Day celebration event. “Yeah, I wanted to come. This is fun,” he said. 

The marchers assembled around noon and walked across the bridge and back hearing numerous motorists honking their horns supporting their patriotic march. Wiscasset resident Linda Adams has participated in several similar patriotic flag waving events, but this was her first on Patriots Day. “It’s great to celebrate this day, and what it means to the country,” she said. “I’m also here supporting everyone who has ever worn our uniform and fought for freedom.”

The event also included a veteran. Former U.S. Navy Seal Ed Thelander of Bristol is a decorated combat veteran and spent 21 years in the service. He participated in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Central and South America, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.  He is also a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to unseat Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, a North Haven Democrat. “Not a lot of history is taught in schools today. So it’s important to honor those who fought for freedom and those who continue the battle. It’s also a great way to celebrate our liberties and freedoms as Americans,” Thelander said. 

All the participants brought their own American flag, but Sandi Day’s of Damariscotta was a little different. Her flag had white and blue strips along with a lone black one. She bought this flag several years ago to show support for law enforcement. “I’m here to celebrate Patriots’ Day and our freedoms,” she said. “I think about our freedom when I march with this flag, and this flag is for honoring all of those who defend us in law enforcement. I take it to every march.”

Each participant’s goal is eliciting a honk from motorists. “I hear a honk, and I just want to smile,” Gene McKeever said. “It just makes you feel so good inside that I just can’t help having a big, big smile.”

The Edgecomb/Wiscasset event concluded at 1:05 p.m. The Patriots’ Day events in Bangor and Freeport started at 4 p.m.