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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The American Village reenacted one of the most famous battles in the Revolutionary War as part of the ongoing celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, April 19.

The Battle of Concord Bridge and the “shot heard round the world” occurred 250 years to the day of the reenactment. The phrase refers to the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord that sparked the Revolutionary War and eventually led to the creation of the U.S.

Joined by more than 350 guests from across Alabama and the Southeast, the event was a well-attended celebration of American history and patriotism. Proceeding the reenactment at 11 a.m., Adjutant General David K. Pritchett of the Alabama National Guard made remarks on the importance of remembering American history and the part that Guardsmen have played in keeping America safe and free.

American Village CEO Col. Alan B. Miller also noted that just as the patriots in 1775— the first citizen soldiers— stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of their families and their communities, the members of the National Guard are today’s citizen soldiers, and we owe them our thanks.

Melanie Poole, the American Village’s communications officer, described some of the highlights of the event.

“Visitors of all ages watched as reenactors portraying British troops and colonial patriots engaged in the Battle of Concord Bridge,” Poole said. “Musket fire on both sides filled the air with smoke, and watchers were immersed in the events of April 19, 1775. American Village costumed historical interpreters provided a short vignette before and after the reenactments, providing context for the battle.”

In addition to the reenactments, the vignettes included Continental Army medicine, apothecary remedies, colonial games and 18th century clothing. Visitors also got to meet famous figures like John Adams and had the opportunity to enlist in George Washington’s Continental Army.

Guests also had the chance to visit Merchants’ Coffee House, the newest American Village addition located next to the gift shop. The new coffee shop offers a variety of handcrafted hot and cold coffee drinks, as well as snacks.

Poole expressed how important events like these are to preserving and promoting American history and patriotism.

“The commemoration of the 250th anniversary of ‘The Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ was a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Poole said. “Many say the Battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775 marked the beginning of the American Revolution and our journey toward independence… Saturday’s commemoration of this event in our history gave us an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that were made to obtain our liberty and to create a new nation.”

For more information on the American Village, visit Americanvillage.org.