Mayor Earl Johnson on Tuesday signed a proclamation declaring April 18, 2025, as Two Lights for Tomorrow Day in Andalusia, and joining the Old Three Notch chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in encouraging people to participate in this remembrance.
Two Lights for Tomorrow Day marks the 250th anniversary of the historic and perilous ride of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and other alarm riders to alert everyone in the young American countryside of impending hostile action from the British army in Boston, Massachusetts. The ride is considered one of many events that began the year before independence was declared on July 4, 1776.
Prior to their departure from Boston, a prearranged signal was set in the Old North Church steeple to ensure that the message was spread and did not solely rely on just one or two alarm riders. The two lanterns were immortalized in in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Paul Revere’s Ride as “One if by land, and two if by sea” and have become an enduring symbol of American vigilance, perseverance and preparedness in the face of adversity.
The DAR is joining with America 250/Alabama in planning recognitions of America’s semiquincentennial next year. The United States Semiquincentennial Commission has asked that two lights be displayed in public spaces across the country for all to see on April 18th, marking the anniversary and beginning the 250th anniversary commemorations leading up to the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
Local DAR Regent Carol Ann Mullins said DAR members encourage area government offices, businesses and churches, as well as individuals, to use two lights on April 18 to raise awareness of the Semiquincentennial Celebration.
“Even though the American Revolution occurred long before Alabama became a state, we do have history that dates to the time of the Revolution,” Mullins said. “For instance, there was a Revolutionary War battle in what is now Mobile County.”
Mullins said the DAR also is participating in Alabama’s April observance of the 200th anniversary of the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States, and to Alabama, beginning at Fort Mitchell, Alabama and ending at Mobile Point, Alabama, on April 8th, 1825. Lafayette visited many communities and engaged in various activities presented to him by the cultures that were there.
The official ceremonies begin with a wreath laying ceremony at State Capitol on April 3; Lafayette Day at Old Alabama in Montgomery on April 4; events at the Old Cahawba Archeological Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and culminating on Sunday at the historic Masonic Lodge in Perdue Hill from 1:30 until 4 p.m.
For additional information about the state and national celebrations, visit america250al.org.