1974-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Bicentennial Plans for Celebrating April 19, 1775 — A Hinge of History The Battle Green in 1860 The monument was erected in 1799 and was the first such monument in America to commemorate any battle of the Revolution. Re- produced from Lossing's Field Book of the Revolu- tion, printed in 1860. THE LEXINGTON BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE, in its fourth and final planning year, expanded its organization, obtained from the town the bulk of the funds it requested, and test- ed several logistical plans during the 1974 Patriots Day parade and during several bicentennial - oriented events in the fall. Current members of the committee are: Lincoln P. Cole, Jr., Chairman; Raymond B. Barnes, Lois W. Brown, Miriam W. Butts, Rudolph J. Fobert, Roland B. Greeley, Rev- erend Harold T. Handley, Anthony Mancini, Richard A. Michel- son, Rebecca G. Nussdorfer, Stephen M. Politi, and George E. Rowe. A significant change took place in May when the com- mittee chairman, Kingston Howard, resigned due to business relocation. His position was filled by Representative Lincoln P. Cole, Jr. Other major personnel changes during the year included the resignation of Alan G. Adams from public relations, and the appointment of George E. Rowe as treasurer succeeding Fred B. James who resigned in 1973. Many additional townspeople have volunteered to serve as coordinator or leader for some specific task or project. These include: Bob Bond, bicycle tour; Jack Borden, media relations; Anne Cuccoluto, administration; Gracia Dayton, poster contest; Tiny Ewell, guest housing; Don Gillespie and Jerry Welch, bicentennial town band; Bob Harris, senior citizens and special groups; Diana Healey, publicity; Betsy and Dean Lahikainen, handcrafts; and Dr. Howard A. Smith receptions. Robert Tarlin, Bicentennial Coordinator, has been ac- tive in all logistical, program, and fund - raising phases connected with the two -year celebration. His office in the Visitors' Center serves as the focal point for all of Lex- ington's bicentennial activities. The town - sponsored program of events for the three -day weekend surrounding April 19, 1975 remains substantially as described in the 1973 town report, the high points being: Saturday, April 19 Sunday, April 20 Battle reenactment on the Battle Green Youth Parade Ceremonies on the Green Patriots' Day Parade Post - parade Reception Special Church Services Rededication of the Battle Green (to which the Pres- ident has been invited) Concert: Masterworks Chorale The Joint Military Bicentennial Coordinating Committee continues to meet on a monthly basis. Its prime purpose is to assist Lexington and Concord in securing appropriate military marching units for the Patriots' Day parade, in logistical planning, and in obtaining equipment and mater- ial support required for the planned activities. The com- mittee is chaired by Hanscom Field base commander, Colonel Sigurd Jensen, and is composed of military representatives 12