Paul Revere’s ride in 1775 was a very important part of history. I went to a special event on April 18, 2025 at the Arizona State Capitol. It was celebrating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous ride! The event was called “Two Lights For Tomorrow” and it was a great night. I want to tell you about the event, but first, you should know a little bit about Paul Revere!
Revere was born Jan. 1, 1735, in Boston, MA. He was a silversmith and also a military officer. He was a member of the Sons of Liberty, a group of American patriots that resisted British rule before the American Revolution. On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode on his horse at midnight to alert others of the approaching British Army troops. Two lanterns were hung in a church to signal that the British troops were approaching by sea. Because Revere and his other fellow patriots gave advance warning, the Americans were victorious in the battles that followed. Revere died May 10, 1818 and we still honor the important role he played in American history today.
“Two Lights for Tomorrow” honored and celebrated Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride. It was a really beautiful event. I went with my parents and we met my Uncle Seth there—he works at the Arizona Capitol as a state representative.
When we got there, I enjoyed great food and saw many people dressed in clothing that made them look like they were living in the time of Revere. I later found out they were part of an organization called the Arizona Sons of the American Revolution. They participate in events that teach about American history and patriotism. There were also a lot of booths and different people to talk to. I watched several performances and heard people speak with pride about our state of Arizona. The program for the night’s events had several different speakers including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. There were several speeches, dance performances, historical reenactments, storytelling, and even an F-16 flyover! My favorite part was the dances by Yellow Bird Productions.
Unfortunately, the weather took a turn that evening and it got windy, cold and rainy. This caused many people, including my family, to leave the outdoor event earlier than we wanted to because we were not prepared for the unexpected storm. The weather did not stop the reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride and a ceremonial lighting of two lanterns.
Laura Terech, executive director of the Arizona America250 Commission, said the event was meant to bring history to life and tell a uniquely Arizona story. “Paul Revere rode with two lanterns. We lit two lights as a symbol of unity, resilience and the American spirit. The commission was excited to celebrate the 250th in Arizona,” said Terech.
I asked my uncle, Seth Blattman, a few things about his job as a state representative. He told me he went into politics because he believes “government can be a force for good in people’s lives.”
“I believe in representing my community and working across the aisle to create good policy for the people of Arizona,” he said. “My favorite part of my job is meeting with constituents...getting to speak with those I represent is al ways number one. I especially enjoy speaking to elementary school students!”
His least favorite part of the job is arguing with colleagues, Blattman explained. “What we’re really doing is expressing our passion for what we believe is right. Every representative, regardless of party, is down there to do good. We just have different perspectives on how to get there,” he added.
My uncle told me his favorite thing about the Two Lights For Tomorrow event “was getting to see my nephew!”
This was an important event to honor a big part of our history. I did not know who Paul Revere was until I went to this event, and I felt grateful and proud to be there. We were able to watch what we missed on YouTube. Secretary of State Fontes ended the night with a very inspiring speech. He noted that people can find ways to get involved with upcoming Arizona events surrounding America’s 250th anniversary at www.azsos.gov/az250.
This night helped me learn a lot about American history and I look forward to learning more. In fact, I learned that Paul Revere’s house is still standing in Boston! I hope to get to travel there and visit his house one day.