Rep. Sampson Celebrates First Official Patriots’ Day in Connecticut

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WOLCOTT – State Representative Rob Sampson (R-Southington, Wolcott) celebrated the first official Patriot’s Day in Connecticut on Monday after he successfully passed legislation through the General Assembly in 2017 securing the unpaid holiday a place on the state calendar. 

“It's been a special day for me to officially celebrate Patriots’ Day here in Connecticut,” Rep. Sampson said. “Patriots' Day marks the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the start of the Revolutionary War. Last year, I submitted a bill that would make this holiday official statewide, and it passed. I am proud that this uniquely American holiday is observed and celebrated statewide. This is a great way to pay our respects to those who fought bravely and selflessly for our independence and individual freedom.”

Sampson’s bill, An Act Establishing Patriots’ Day, called for the establishment of a statewide holiday on the third Monday of April each year in observance of the Battles of Lexington and Concord (fought on April 19, 1775), and the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Section 78 of the bill requires the Governor to proclaim this holiday, and allows for “suitable exercises” at the State Capitol and elsewhere to commemorate the anniversary of the battles. Connecticut now joins neighboring Massachusetts and other states such as Maine, Wisconsin and Florida in the recognition and commemoration of Patriots’ Day.

After being passed unanimously in the Senate and by a vote of 149-1 in the House, Public Act No. 17-204 was signed into law by the Governor on July 10^th, 2017.