The commemoration of America’s 250th next year isn’t limited to only commemorating events from 1776. There were many significant historical events leading up to the Declaration of Independence, and this year on the night of April 18-19, 2025, there is a nationwide initiative to recognize one of those historical events while keeping a focus toward the future.

What is Two Lights for Tomorrow?

On the evening of April 18-19, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others undertook a perilous ride to alert everyone in the countryside of the coming danger from the British army. Before the riders left Boston, an arranged signal was set in the Old North Church steeple to ensure that the message would go out far and wide.

The two lanterns hung in the church steeple were later immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Paul Revere’s Ride by the passage, “One if by land, and two if by sea,” and have become an enduring symbol of American perseverance in the face of adversity.

Those who answered the call to serve and defend their fellow countrymen that night and the following day at the Battles of Lexington and Concord exemplify the spirit of community and shared responsibly that has defined our nation since its inception. This year, we invite Washingtonians to again use this symbol and share the importance of supporting each other and serving our communities by hanging two lights on the evening of April 18, 2025.

How To Participate

Two Lights for Tomorrow is intentionally designed to be flexible so that everyone can participate. Any kind of light can be used in any size building, be it a municipal building, museum, community center, or home. Lights should ideally be visible to the exterior and displayed from dusk to dawn on the evening of Friday April 18, 2025.

From spotlights to flashlights, any lights, any duration, and any location will work—what matters is the willingness to participate and to remind each other of the importance of working together toward a more perfect union.

Finally, don’t forget to take photos of your lights that night and send them to us at [email protected].

Next Steps and Resources

The Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia and the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma will be participating. If you are interested, please reach out to at [email protected] and let us know if your community will also be participating and what your plans are.

The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission is hosting the official toolkit (scroll to the bottom of the page) which includes downloadable logos, signage templates, a proclamation template, and educational materials that you can use to support additional engagement in your community if desired.