The Commonwealth’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution has officially launched with the time-honored Liberty Pole Capping in Bedford, Massachusetts. As the first event in the statewide Massachusetts 250 celebration, Bedford’s ceremony honors the defiance and determination of the early patriots who stood against British tyranny.
Central to the celebration is Bedford’s storied history, including the famous Bedford Flag, believed to be the oldest known flag in the United States. The flag, a symbol of American resolve, was carried into battle by local militia and remains an enduring emblem of liberty.
The Pole Capping ceremony, a reenactment that dates back to colonial resistance, features a tall wooden pole climbed by a Bedford Minuteman who affixes a red knitted cap to its top. This bold act echoes the spirit of defiance shown by the original Sons of Liberty, who in 1765 raised similar poles or marked trees to protest British rule. According to tradition, this symbolic gesture challenged the authority of King George III and ignited the flames of revolution across New England.
Among the honored participants and spectators of Bedford’s reenactment are two figures steeped in local tradition: James F. Comley, a proud third-generation Bedford resident, and his son-in-law, Clifford Washer. Washer served with the Bedford Minutemen for over 20 years and became a local fixture by reenacting the iconic role of the defiant patriot who climbs the Liberty Pole during the ceremony—an honor he carried out for nearly a decade.
From now through 2026, Massachusetts 250 will commemorate key moments and lesser-known stories from the Revolution, showcasing the Bay State’s pivotal role in America’s birth. Massachusetts communities will come together to remember, reflect, and celebrate both past and future revolutions in liberty and innovation. In 2026, other states will join in the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
As the Minutemen gathered in Willson Park, muskets volleyed and period music filled the air, capturing the atmosphere of 1775. And in the shadow of the Liberty Pole, Bedford once again reminds the world that the fight for freedom began here, with ordinary people who dared to stand up and be counted.
For more information, see massachusetts250.org.
James F. Comley with the Bedford Flag
Bedford Minuteman sign
