As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, our friends at Alabama’s American Village have invited every household, business, and government office in Alabama
– and now the country – to join in a unique celebration of American history: the Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative, commemorating Paul Revere’s famous ride and America’s fight for liberty and independence.
What is Two Lights for Tomorrow? This initiative, sweeping across the nation as part of the America 250 celebration, honors the legendary moment when Paul Revere signaled the approach of British troops with lanterns in Boston’s Old North Church. It represents the spirit of unity, vigilance, and the enduring quest for freedom.
Households: Light two candles or lanterns in your windows on the evening of April 18th, symbolizing the two lanterns hung in the church steeple. Share your participation on social media with #TwoLightsForTomorrow.
Businesses: Display two lights prominently at your establishment to foster a sense of community and historical pride. Engage customers with stories of the American Revolution, perhaps through window displays or special events.
Government Offices: Encourage the use of symbolic lighting in public buildings, alongside educational programs or public readings of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride.”
Education: This is an opportunity to educate our youth and remind ourselves of the sacrifices made for our freedoms.
Unity: By participating, we contribute to a national tapestry of remembrance and patriotism.
Legacy: We’re not just celebrating history; we’re actively engaging in the creation of a living legacy through community involvement.
Let’s light up today’s America with the glow of liberty, reminding each other of the vigilance and courage of our founding generation that define us as Americans.
Together, we can make Two Lights for Tomorrow a shining moment in your community’s contribution to America’s 250th anniversary. Join us in this historic celebration, and let’s illuminate town and city in America with the enduring light of freedom.
For more information on the history of Paul Revere’s Ride, visit resources like the Paul Revere House or delve into the narratives from Longfellow’s poetry. For insights into how communities are celebrating the America 250 anniversary, check out America250.org.
