Patriot's Day, observed annually on the third Monday of April in Maine, commemorates the early battles of the American Revolutionary War, specifically those at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This year, the holiday falls on April 21. Maine adopted this observance in 1907, following Massachusetts, which began recognizing the day in 1894.
Interestingly, Maine's designation as "Patriot's Day" differs from Massachusetts' "Patriots' Day," leading to discussions about the placement of the apostrophe. The positioning in Maine's version suggests honoring a single patriot, whereas Massachusetts' version implies a tribute to multiple patriots. In 2014, State Senator Chris Johnson proposed adjusting the apostrophe to align with Massachusetts, aiming for grammatical consistency. However, the bill did not advance, and the original punctuation remains.
On Patriot's Day, state, county, and municipal offices in Maine are closed. However, as it is not a federal holiday, federal offices and the U.S. Post Office remain open.
For those planning to observe the day outdoors, the weather forecast for Portland, Maine, on April 21 indicates cloudy skies with a chance of showers and temperatures ranging from a high of 50°F (10°C) to a low of 41°F (5°C).
Patriot's Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made at the dawn of the nation's independence, honoring the legacy of those who fought in the early battles of the American Revolution.