Too busy to post yesterday, but it should not go without note that April 17 marked the 50th anniversary of the disaster known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion. About 1,500 Cuban expatriates returned to Cuba in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro. The US provided air and and sea support, the troops had been trained by the CIA. Most were landed by boat, although about 180 were paratroopers. The invasion failed, President John F. Kennedy’s Administration was severely embarrassed, and Castro’s control of Cuba was solidified, as was his popularity. Most of the troops were captured, some killed, some tried and executed for treason. Four US airmen were also killed. Most of the captured troops were ransomed by the US government for over $50 Million dollars. To call it a disaster for the US would be an understatement.

Tomorrow, April 19th marks the real birth of the United States of America. On the morning of April 19, 1775 British troops engaged colonial rebels in a series of battles that started first in Concord, MA, then moved to Lexington, MA. The British were on a mission to confiscate arms and ammunition cached by the rebels in Concord. The first shots were fired in Lexington, where eight colonials were killed and more wounded. The British troops then moved on to Concord where they seized and destroyed weapons and ammunition. Here they were met by colonial militia and a fire fight broke out. The colonials were more successful this time and the British started to retreat back towards Lexington. A series of ambushes and skirmishes caused numerous British casualties. Eventually the British retreated back to Boston. The battle was over, but the Revolution had begun.

From this moment on, the colonials, who had always thought of themselves as British citizens were Americans. To the British, they were traitors.

Even though Independence wasn’t declared for another year, a new nation had in fact been born. There was no turning back.

Only Maine and Massachusetts celebrate Patriots Day, but in many ways it’s as important a day in US history as is July 4th.

It’s a pity that most Americans these days don’t even know about the battles, the holiday, or the reasons for it.