Shine a Light for Liberty: Join the Two Lights for Tomorrow Tribute

PENNSYLVANIA - “One if by land, and two if by sea,” a familiar line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Paul Revere’s Ride comes to life across the country on April 18.

Revere’s famous ride took place overnight on April 18-19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow, a national tribute and initiative by VA250, marks the 250th anniversary of that legendary ride – and the beginning of America’s journey toward independence.

According to VA250’s website, the initiative uses the imagery of “that shining light 250 years ago as a uniting call to action today for our fellow citizens,” encouraging everyone, wherever you are, to commemorate this moment and reflect on our history that is about working together for a better tomorrow.

To mark the occasion, the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg will be illuminated – and participation is simple: display two lights in your homes, businesses, and community spaces throughout the month.

Our history begins here…

Tensions between the American Colonies and the British Crown had been mounting due to events like the Boston Massacre, the Intolerable Acts, and unjust taxation.

On the evening of the April 18, Revere was tasked with riding to Lexington, Massachusetts to warn that British soldiers stationed in Boston were marching to town and planned to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock – two leaders of the Sons of Liberty.

Revere enlisted a friend, most likely Robert Newman, sexton of Christ Church in Boston’s North End, to hold two lit lanterns in the church’s tower (now known as Old North Church). This was a predetermined signal to patriots across the Charles River.

Two lanterns meant that the British planned to row “by sea” across the river to Cambridge, rather than march “by land” out of Boston Neck.

Revere’s ride gave the militias valuable advance warning, enabling them to mobilize. When British troops arrived in Lexington, they were met by more than 70 militiamen.

As the British advanced, a shot was fired – its origin still unknown – and the nervous British soldiers responded with a volley, killing seven and mortally wounding another. The British then continued on to Concord.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 were the first major military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, marked by the “shot heard round the world” at Lexington Green.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 2026, initiatives like Two Lights for Tomorrow help us connect to the events that shaped our nation, honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and inspire hope for the future.

Here’s how to participate:

• Display two lights at your office, home, public building, or local landmark
• Invite your community to join in and reflect
• Share your story online and tag us so we can highlight your efforts
• Use hashtags: #TwoLightsForTomorrow #TL4T #America250PA