Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey said that Two Lights for Tomorrow, a nationwide celebration of the anniversary, was devised by state and federal officials to act as “the sprout from the planting of ideas for the 250th anniversary of America” next year. While participating communities were only asked to place two lights in remembrance, the city thought that “wasn’t as interesting” as having the lights brought by a real rider.

Paul Revere, portrayed by Peter Johnson, brought the lights on horseback from Ellsworth Avenue down State Street directly into Lincoln Plaza where the ceremony was ongoing, shouting “the Regulars are coming!” just as Revere did on April 18, 1775. The city also recreated the lighting of the two lanterns which signaled the start of Revere’s ride by Sexton Robert Newman of the Old North Church portrayed by City Councilman Evan Newman.

The ceremony itself featured opening and closing remarks by Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey, a prayer led by Reverend Daniel Hardy, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Amanda Baier, patriotic tunes played on traditional drum and flute by musicians from the Salem High School Band, a reading of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” by 2024 Salem High School Alum Preston Anthony, the story of Revere’s fellow rider William Dawes Jr. by his descendant and namesake William Dawes, and remarks on the political climate that surrounded the ride by Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Kelly Linger.

Dawes reminded those in attendance that 250 years ago when Dr. Joseph Warren called upon Revere to take up news of the coming march upon Concord and carry the warning on horseback, he also called upon William Dawes Jr. He carried the same message on a longer route than Revere, and unlike Revere completed his mission uncaptured through a mixture of charm, disguises, and quick thinking, at one point escaping his British pursuers by convincing them that he had lured them into a fictitious ambush when his horse gave out.

Paul Revere, portrayed by Peter Johnson riding Island Girl, delivered the famous two lights to Lincoln Plaza for the ceremony. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

“Dawes [Jr.] was not second. He was essential. His ride, his courage, his cunning – integral to the Revolution’s opening chapter. He finished the mission. Tonight, we don’t just celebrate 250 years of history. We remind everyone of a name. We remember a ride, the ride of William Dawes,” said Dawes.

Linger championed the dedication of Revere and Dawes, and their commitment to serving their community and fighting for what they believed was right. He said that service to one’s community is important and meaningful, and is not always easy, and that Revere, Dawes, and their contemporaries who devoted themselves to the revolutionary cause serve as an inspiration when her own service is challenging. She also said that their example can serve as a lesson during our modern and increasingly divided times.

“Whether it’s volunteering and lending a hand, or serving in your local government, service to your community is important. Sometimes it means long hours, sometimes it means hard decisions, and sometimes it means sacrifices. When I find myself in those trying times, making those tough decisions I think of those people like Paul Revere, ordinary men and women that made an extraordinary difference,” said Linger. “I think in today’s times we find things to be divisive, people distracted, and I think the example of Paul Revere teaches us that true patriotism starts with single acts of service. It starts with caring for one another, lending a hand and being brave enough to lead when it matters the most. As we stand here tonight and honor Paul Revere and William Dawes, I think it’s important we carry that spirit forward to be modern midnight riders not on horseback but through our words, our actions and our service to our community.”

Dickey thanked all who attended and participated in the ceremony and thanked City Service Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello for coordinating the logistics and championed how special the ceremony was.

“Tonight’s been very special, and I’d venture to say our event is different than any others around the country. As always Salem went above and beyond. What other event had Paul Revere show up on horseback? What other event had William Dawes show up and tell us what really happened that night,” said Dickey.

Paul Revere, portrayed by Peter Johnson riding Island Girl, delivered the famous two lights to Lincoln Plaza for the ceremony. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Sexton Robert Newman of the Old North Church portrayed by City Councilman Evan Newman, lights one of the lanterns. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Salem’s own William Dawes shares the true story of Revere’s fellow rider, his ancestor and namesake William Dawes Jr. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The ceremony featured patriotic tunes played on the traditional flute and drum including “Yankee Doodle” and “Let Freedom Ring” by musicians from the Salem High School Band. Shown from left are Nathan Fowler, Alexis Olin, and Memphis Haveter. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)