The people of Massachusetts, and Concord in particular, take Patriot’s Day very seriously given that this was the epicenter of the battle for American independence. I began the day with a pancake breakfast at the First Parish church where Jeanine was volunteering as a cook. I did so despite the image carried by the sign walker designed to entice patrons as it had the opposite effect on me. Fortunately, the flapjacks were excellent. The reenactment of the fighting between the Minutemen and the Redcoats at the Old North Bridge, a highlight of our local celebration, was canceled due to safety concerns related to the high water level of the Concord River. Nevertheless, I was able to shoot one Redcoat for the benefit of our cause.

Rather than stick around for the parade, I decided to catch the Boston Marathon. This year, I managed to photograph all four winners of the major divisions because they were all in the lead at the 12-mile marker where I was positioned. Marcel Hug (men’s wheelchair); Eden Rainbow Cooper (women’s wheelchair); Sisay Lemma (men’s); and Hellen Obiri (women’s).