I typed out the proclaimation from the Idaho governor that I am scheduled to read and share with you below. It is good to realize, remember and commemerate what these farmers faced. I continue to be impressed with what Terry Shepard accomplished by getting this event created via the Idaho legislature and by working and organizing every year for seven years now to present it to the people on the capitol steps.
It is unfortunately raining at this moment and threatening to rain the whole thing out. The odds on anyone coming to stand in the rain for an hour are slim-to-none, plus none of the period-outfitted speakers want to ruin their costumes. Terry has us standing by for a decision..
The Office of the Governor
Whereas on April 19th, 1775 marks the day when Lexington and Concord Massachusetts were marched upon by British regulars in an effort to confiscate munitions stored for the local militia
and
Whereas near the hour of 5 a.m., between 600 and 800 British troops encountered 75 patriots at Lexington Green, where Captain Parker ordered, “Stand your ground, don’t fire unless fired upon; but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here”
and
Whereas the result was the shot heard around the world; and by the day’s end the British troops had retreated
and
Whereas the events of April 19th, 1775 ignited a passion in the colonial patriots that promoted the American Revolutionary War, the founding of a great nation, and the freedoms our country enjoys today
and
Whereas Patriots Day is an opportunity to focus on the historic nature of the American Revolution and the sacrifices men and women endured over the course of an eight-year struggle leading to our independence
Now therefore, I, C. L., Butch Otter, Governor of the State of Idaho do hereby proclaim April 19th to be Patriot’s Day in Idaho.