The 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we invite every household, business, and government office in Alabama to join in a unique celebration of American history: the Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative, commemorating Paul Revere’s famous ride and America’s fight for liberty and independence. What is Two Lights for Tomorrow? This initiative, sweeping across the nation as part of the America 250 celebration, honors the legendary moment when Paul Revere signaled the approach of British troops with lanterns in Boston’s Old North Church. It represents the spirit of unity, vigilance, and the enduring quest for freedom. How to Participate:  Households: Light two candles or lanterns in your windows on the evening of April 18th, symbolizing the two lanterns hung in the church steeple. Share your participation on social media with #TwoLightsForTomorrow. Businesses: Display two lights prominently at your establishment to foster a sense of community and historical pride. Engage customers with stories of the American Revolution, perhaps through window displays or special events. Government Offices: Encourage the use of symbolic lighting in public buildings, alongside educational programs or public readings of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Why Participate? Education: This is an opportunity to educate our youth and remind ourselves of the sacrifices made for our freedoms. Unity: By participating, we contribute to a national tapestry of remembrance and patriotism. Legacy: We’re not just celebrating history; we’re actively engaging in the creation of a living legacy through community involvement. Let’s light up Alabama with the glow of liberty, reminding each other of the vigilance and courage that define us as Americans. Together, we can make Two Lights for Tomorrow a shining moment in our state’s contribution to America’s 250th anniversary. Join us in this historic celebration, and let’s illuminate our state with the enduring light of freedom.   Download the flyer Share the video On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation making April 18, 2025 Two Lights for Tomorrow Day in Alabama.

Experience History Come to Life: Saturday, April 19 American Village is holding two reenactments of the Battle at Concord Bridge, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.   April 19, 1775 was the first time Americans stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of freedom. As British forces marched from Boston to Lexington, they were met by colonists on Lexington Green. No one knows who fired the first shot, colonists or British troops. From Lexington, the British moved on to Concord where they were met by a determined and brave group of colonial militia. The fighting at Concord Bridge, along with the Battle at Lexington Green, helped to ignite the spirit of independence and self-determination in the hearts of the colonists. These citizen-soldiers, farmers, and tradesmen took up arms not for conquest, but to defend their rights, their communities, and the ideals that would later be enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. Their actions remind us of the power of ordinary people to change the course of history. At 11:00 a.m., American Village President and CEO Col. Alan B. Miller will introduce Adjutant General David K. Pritchett of the Alabama National Guard, who will make remarks. This will be a special day and a meaningful opportunity for Alabama citizens to come together in celebration of the men and women of the Alabama National Guard, recognizing their dedication and service to our state and nation. Following General Pritchett’s remarks, American Village Education Officer Val Crofts will introduce the reenactment. Vignettes from our costumed historical interpreters will take place before and after the 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. reenactments. And this will also be a meaningful opportunity for Alabama citizens to come together in celebration of the men and women of the Alabama National Guard, recognizing their dedication and service to our state and nation. Much like the colonial militia in 1775, the National Guard continue the legacy of answering the call to serve, and are the modern embodiment of the citizen-soldier. Enjoy all the American Village has to offer with FREE ADMISSION Saturday, April 19th, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Event Description The name of this event says it all… Because of the Brave!  We love this country and all of us enjoy the freedom of living in the United States of America.  However, the freedom we enjoy came at a price.  On Memorial Day 2025, come out and join us in an event that truly honors the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Because of the Brave 5K is truly about reflecting on this sacrifice that was made by so many of our heroes. These men and women carried their American flag and served our country with honor.  What better way to honor them, than to carry an American flag while running/walking a 5K?  As part of this event, each runner/walker will carry a 2’x 3’ American flag during the entire 5K course.  The flag will be affixed to a pole so it will be easy to carry.  The flag and pole together will be light so even children will be able to participate. This event is not about you and, therefore, is not a race.  You can run/walk at whatever pace you would like to, but this is not a timed 5K event. Because of the Brave 5K is being hosted by the American Village.  The Alabama National Cemetery next door to the American Village is the final resting place for thousands of our brave heroes.  A portion of your entry fee will be donated to both the Alabama National Cemetery and the American Village. Because of the Brave 5K starts at 7:00 AM.  This allows runners/walkers to finish the 5K and have plenty of time to visit the Alabama National Cemetery at 9:00 AM for their annual Memorial Day Service, and the American Village for their annual Memorial Day Celebration at 11:00 AM.  So, come out and run Because of the Brave 5K, visit the Alabama National Cemetery’s Memorial Day Service, the American Village Memorial Day Celebration, and enjoy the afternoon at American Village for a full day of honoring the fallen and fun with the family! Course Description The 5K course will wind throughout the beautiful grounds at American Village.  The course consists of a 1.55-mile loop and will be clearly marked with patriotic flags.  Runners/walkers must complete the loop twice to finish the course and complete the 5K distance.  The entire course will be on paved surfaces, so strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Time and Location Memorial Day: Monday May 26, 2025 @ 7:00 AM Because of the Brave 5K will be held at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama. Address: 3727 Highway 119 Montevallo, AL 35115 The GPS coordinates of the parking lot you’ll want to park in are: (33.137730, -86.829740) Packet Pickup There is no early packet pickup for this event.  Race day packet pickup will be at the start/finish line which will be located near the main parking lots of American Village.  There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms.  Packet pickup will be from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.  A pre-run briefing will take place at 6:40 AM.  The 5K run/walk will begin at 7:00 AM sharp. Runners will receive a 2’ x 3’American flag attached to a pole at packet pickup. We will also have a custom Because of the Brave 5K flag near the start/finish line.  Please come prepared to write the name of a hero or heroes that you will be running/walking the 5K in honor of.  This flag will come back annually at each future Because of the Brave 5K event and be on display during the run.  This, again, ensures we never forget the names of our heroes who died for this country. Swag All runners/walkers will receive a custom Because of the Brave 5K challenge coin at the finish line.  Runners/walkers will exchange the American flag they’ve carried during the 5K course for the challenge coin.  Challenge coins are commonly exchanged within the military.  Another way to honor the brave is to keep this tradition.  This challenge coin will be something you can take away from this event as a reminder of the freedom we have “Because of the Brave!”  There will be no awards given to the top finishers.  Again, this is not a race but rather an event to honor those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Be sure to sign up by May 1st, 2025, to guarantee that you’ll receive the custom challenge coin. Aid Station We will provide one water station during the course at the start/finish line area.  Runners/walkers will be able to hydrate at the halfway point and at the finish line.  Fruit will also be provided at the finish line. Contact Us If you have any questions about this event, contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com For more information about the American Village visit their website: https://www.americanvillage.org/ For more information about the Alabama National Cemetery visit their website: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/alabama.asp Donations In addition to a portion of your entry fee that will be donated to the American Village and the Alabama National Cemetery, you can make a donation of any amount to either or both of them.  Any additional donations will go straight to American Village and/or the Alabama National Cemetery. Run Sign Up https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Montevallo/5KBecauseOfTheBrave

This year American Village celebrates its 25th anniversary. See the full story here. Share your American Village story with us. Did you visit as a student? What do you remember most? Do you have a funny story about your visit? Did your visit here impact your choice of education or career? Submit your story here. Listen to teacher Tom McCall’s American Village story here.

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 1. At the American Village, we will have a Prayer Breakfast, beginning at 8:00 a.m. This year’s speaker is Edie Hand. Edie Hand is the founder and international author of Women of True Grit, a sisterhood and community stemmed from The Edie Hand Foundation that takes stories and turns them into empowerment for women to succeed in business and in life. The Edie Hand Foundation started over fifteen years ago in honor of her three young Blackburn brothers she lost too soon. Having gone through irritations such as loss, grief, illness, and set-backs Edie exemplifies “True Grit” and has built a movement transforming challenges into Pearls of Hope. GRIT stands for “Great Resilience Is Transformative” and Edie is passionate and devoted to supporting women and providing them the tools to do hard things and turn them into beautiful situations. The message she shares is not heart warming, its heart moving and aims to build strength in whichever audience is listening and encourage them to know they are not alone in facing their hardships with “Pearls On, Swords Up!” Edie also comes from a wonderful family heritage of songwriting, acting, and music from the Hood-Hacker-Presley family. Her legendary cousin was Elvis Presley. Introducing Edie and saying a few words at the Prayer Breakfast will be former Alabama First Lady Patsy Riley, one of the Women of True Grit featured in Edie’s book. Due to an out-of-country travel delay, Ashley Gronholm will not be able to make it to the prayer breakfast. But we are happy that Gracie Harris, Miss North Alabama Teen, will be singing for our program.   Tickets are $30 per person. Copies of Edie’s book Women of True Grit are $20. She will sign them at the Prayer Breakfast. $5 from the sale of each book will be donated to the American Village. Pre-reservations are required. To make a reservation, please buy your tickets below or call (205) 665-3535 x 1031.