Paul Revere’s ride commemorations will vary by state and community; Legion posts encouraged to participate.
Mid-April has brought the start of observances nationwide of Two Lights for Tomorrow, a program conceived to both commemorate the 1775 midnight ride of Paul Revere and bring attention to America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
A national semiquincentennial commission going by the name America 250 has organized, and state commissions have as well. Kevin Hampton, assistant director for programs and education for the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, conceived and developed materials to call for the display of two lights on the evening of April 18 for state capitol buildings, offices, businesses, churches, schools, individual homes – and American Legion posts. But the concept and activities can be customized.
Morris Sadicario, historian for Severson-Cairns American Legion Post 501 in Madison, Wis., reports in a Legiontown post that a delegation of Legion Family members attended the opening Two Lights ceremony in the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda in Madison on April 14, including a ceremonial lighting of two lights at noon.
“Wisconsin legislators are working on passing 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 17 proclaiming the week of April 14 as ‘Two Lights for Tomorrow Week,’” Sadicario says. “They have called on all Wisconsinites to unite in remembrance of our shared history and are encouraging all Wisconsin government buildings, community centers, public spaces and citizens to take part in this symbolic display. This is a uniting call for our citizens to celebrate and serve.”
In addition to Sadicario, American Legion and SAL members from nearby locations who attended were Past National Commander Denise Rohan of Post 385 in Verona, Post 501 Chaplain/3rd Vice Commander Darrel “AJ” Feucht and SAL 3rd District Historian Seán Patchin. Highlights included a color guard in Revolutionary War-era uniforms and a speech by Gov. Tony Evers.
Sadicario says a ceremony including “Paul Revere’s Ride” is planned for presentation during a “Two Lights” week at Post 501.
Hampton has asked participants to email him at khampton@va250.virginia.gov with details so he can add them to a nationwide map. Posts and departments can also tell their America 250 stories on the new USA 250 category on Legiontown.
- Honor & Remembrance