Graphic courtesy of VA250
The American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) announces “Two Lights For Tomorrow: A Nationwide Call to Action” to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride and the signal that warned of the British advance. On April 18-19, citizens across the United States are encouraged to display two lights in the windows of homes, statehouses, and local communities.
The initiative seeks to illuminate the spirit of collaboration and collective action that characterized the nation’s founding. By displaying two lights, participants will contribute to a visual representation of unity and shared purpose.
“Why does Paul Revere’s ride, 250 years later, still matter? It matters because the spirit of people coming together, helping each other, resonates profoundly today,” said Cheryl Wilson, VA250 Executive Director. “’Two Lights for Tomorrow’ isn’t just about recalling ‘one if by land, two if by sea,’ it’s a deeply personal statement during this 250th anniversary.”
In Virginia, lanterns will be lit from April 11 to April 22, the 250th anniversary of The Gunpower Incident in Williamsburg. Some states will be displaying their lights the entire month of April. In other states, a day of service will follow the lantern lightings as a reminder that the idea of serving one another has been part of the national identity since that very first day 250 years ago.
How to get involved
- Place two lights in your window April 18-19
- Share your photos and stories on social media using #VA250 and #TwoLightsForTomorrow
- Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to join in
- Download a toolkit (va250.org/two-lights) containing resources such as signage, coloring sheets, a proclamation, and educational materials
- Check participating locations and submit your own; there are currently more than 500 sites joining from across the nation
“Two Lights For Tomorrow” originated from “A Common Cause to All,” a convening of state 250th planners co-hosted by VA250 and Colonial Williamsburg who resolved to commemorate the shared American story, recognizing its fullness and complexity, its achievements, and its shortcomings and honoring the many voices that together Forge One Nation. They pledged to a new common cause for all Americans to unite in reflection, celebration, and aspiration. Americans can share in this common cause by shining two lights for a unified future.
“This initiative, inspired by ‘A Common Cause to All,’ is a physical manifestation of our shared commitment – connecting our complex history to how we live and act together today,” Wilson said. “Seeing those lights is a visual reminder across the nation that we are striving to be ‘one heart and one mind,’ reaffirming that pledge to join in the work of making a more perfect union.”
About VA250
Established by the General Assembly in 2020, VA250 serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia. From its founding ideals to its leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened here in Virginia. Which makes Virginia the ideal place to learn about our nation’s beginnings, no matter what state you call home.
~ VA250
