What do the years 1775 and 1971 have in common? This week, I reconnected with Winston, a friend who I have not seen since elementary school. We “re-met” in Concord MA, home to the first-shots that triggered the American Revolution. Read on for an epic reunion and a battle that changed history.
War was not inevitable
Historians say that the American revolution was not inevitable. That it came about because of a number of missteps made by the British Parliament and King George. They tell us the British ignored the concerns of the citizens living in the American colonies, and attempted to squelch dissent through force instead of compromise. There was another important element which can be studied first-hand in the towns of Lexington and Concord, MA. There was a powder-keg building, and the slightest spark would set it off.
An amazing re-connection
On Thursday, I reunited with Winston, a friend from long ago. We met initially in third grade, at PS 193 in Queens and were in classes together through fifth grade. We were two somewhat shy boys, both good in math. In addition, we were two of the shorter people in the class, and since our class often lined up in size places, it provided plenty of opportunities to be together.
The school itself was excellent. We had exceptionally gifted classmates and received a good quality of education, with caring teachers.
Winston’s family moved after fifth grade. He and I had not seen each other or spoken together since then, but I had thought about him over the years. Thanks to the internet, I was able to track him down a few months ago and he immediately remembered me. We must have made quite an impression on each other, because after a few emails back and forth, we decided to meet in person.
3rd grade class 1969. I am on the left side of the first row. Winston is second from the right.
A reunion like this demands a special place
Winston suggested that we reconnect at the Colonial Inn, with portions dating back to 1715. During 1775 it served as an inn and storehouse during the famous battles of Lexington and Concord.
The reason I am sharing all of this history, is that over the past few years, Winston and his wonderful bride Jessie moved to the area and have been swept up, both in studying the history as well as enthusiastically reenacting it. I remember Winston as being incredibly smart and detail oriented – and the same is true today. His knowledge of this subject made the events come alive for Sherry and me.
Catching up was easy
At lunch, we caught up on some of the fifty-four years we each missed. We reminisced about our teachers Ms. Heller, Ms. Leibowitz and Ms. Lucas, and playing punch-ball after school. Winston even remembered the school song. I remember more than once we walked back to my house for lunch during school.
One highlight for both of us was our fourth grade play “Oliver” in which he played the doctor, and I played one of the orphan boys. We now share a common love of sailing, bicycling, motorsports and acquiring new knowledge. The conversation was fun and easy. The things that drew us together all those years ago are still there – and I am so glad we were able to reconnect.
The cast of Oliver 1970. Winston is second from the left, first row, I am next to him.
Exploring history in Concord, MA
Getting back to our story from 1775, Winston explained a series of battles on April 19th, just one day after Paul Revere’s famous ride. The colonists managed local militias, to help keep the French at bay and to protect them from Native Americans. Since the colonies were owned by England, these effectively were British troops as well.
The trouble began when the British Redcoats, whose vanguard was marching in Lexington without a senior officer, fired without cause at a small colonial militia.
In ensuing confusion a few hours later in Concord, a fire began which billowed smoke into the sky. A larger colonial militia saw the smoke and decided to come to the aid which involved crossing the northern bridge in Concord. A small group of Redcoats (or “Regulars”), again without a senior officer, were guarding the bridge.
That “shot heard round the world” was the first time in history that British troops fired on each other. Spoiler alert- the redcoats turned tails and ran!
Thank you Winston for your friendship and the great history lesson. It was delightful meeting Jessie as well.
