Photo: Mike Macklin (WBZ)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Paul Revere and William Dawes rode again through the streets of Massachusetts on Monday.
The National Lancers—a volunteer cavalry militia troop and the Official Mounted Ceremonial Troop of Massachusetts—commemorate every Patriots' Day with a reenactment of the historic Midnight Ride of Revere, who rode from Boston to Lexington on the night of April 19, 1775 warning of the British army's invasion. They also reenact the ride of Dawes, a Minuteman who also rode that night to warn the colonists.
Richard Reale saddled up for his 29th year as Paul Revere. He began his journey at Boston's Old North Church in the North End before taking off down Hanover St. on horseback.
"I could not imagine doing what he did," said Reale. "It's dark, you're trying to sneak around, there's people looking for you, and if he gets captured, he's in a lot of trouble."
Reale was one of two riders portraying Revere this year. Another reenactor completed the journey to Lexington after Reale reached Medford.
When asked about what continues to make the ride memorable for him after all these years, Reale answered, "Oftentimes you'll see an old timer stand up and salute. And the second thing is seeing the awe of a child, who is just learning the story."
WBZ's Mike Macklin reports.
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