COMMANDER'S PAGE

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In the summer of 1972, I was a guide on the Lexington Battle Green. It was a wonderful job, taking tourists and the occasional historian around the place where, in 1775, the Crown garrison and the local militia clashed. It was an encounter whose seeds had been planted long before, and I have spent much time since trying to understand what really happened that day. Two fellow guides and I decided to get closer to these truths by joining a local re-created militia. Suddenly, what should appear on our own Green but two companies of handsomely uniformed redcoats. One look at those gleaming muskets, the belting, the tall fur caps, and thoughts of the militia took flight. It was the Tenth Regiment of Foot. In a day when re-enactors often dressed in polyester, modern glasses, and sneakers, the Tenth established standards of authenticity that are now considered essential and routine. At first, they didn't want us. We were young and maybe not reliable. Persistence paid off, however, and by June we were in and assigned to companies. By August, we were sworn into service as Private soldiers. I was assigned to the Light Infantry. By October, I was in my first re-enactment at White Plains, New York. The following Spring, we were standing back on that Green, facing the militia, and guarding the North Bridge. That was almost thirty years ago. Sticking with the Tenth all these years has not always been easy, but it has been worth it. I can think of few other activities so thoroughly different, so wonderfully educational, and so completely worthwhile. Preserving our history is essential. If we lose it, we risk losing the foundation upon which our country is built. The Tenth Regiment today continues to be the best and largest British re-enactment unit in New England. We want people who seek adventure, time travel, history, and friendship. I invite you to join us. Who knows? Years from now, you too may look back upon joining as one of the best decisions of your life. Lieutenant Colonel Paul O'Shaughnessy Commanding Officer             The song is "The Minstrel Boy" the theme music from the movie "The Man Who Would Be King."

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