Franklin man will reenact Paul Revere's historic ride on Patriot's Day

Contrary to popular belief, as Paul Revere was tearing through Middlesex County on that April night in 1775, he never said, “The British are coming!”

Rather, he and William Dawes shout, "The Regulars are out! The Regulars are out!"

“Everybody was British back then," said Andrew Tobin, of Franklin — who ought to know.

Tobin is reenacting Paul Revere’s historic ride today, Patriot’s Day, as a member of The National Lancers — a volunteer cavalry militia troop and the Official Mounted Ceremonial Troop of Massachusetts.

Tobin, who is facilities manager at MassBay Community College, has been a member of The National Lancers since September 1992.

He has been riding horses his entire life — perhaps it's because he’s always had them in his backyard. 

“Growing up when the last horse died at my parent’s house, my father said, ‘That's it, no more horses here,'’' he said.

But he remained devoted to his equine friends.

“I’m still going to ride. I just had to find a place," he said.

He and his brother hooked up with The National Lancers and soon after became part of their militia. This will be Tobin’s 29th year participating in the historical reenactment.

“It’s incredibly fun to engage with the kids, take pictures with them, and feel the excitement from the crowd,” he said. “I feel honored to ride with and represent The National Lancers and to recognize this great chapter in American history.”

The National Lancers have been recreating Revere’s and Dawes’ April 19, 1775, ride since 1904.

More: Weston Historical Society to present lecture on Paul Revere's bells

Due to limited time to complete the ride and to ease the strain on the horses, two riders will complete Revere’s journey. This year, Richard Reale will start in Boston’s North End and Tobin will take over in Medford and finish in Lexington.

As Reale details the purpose of his journey to the colonists in Medford, Tobin will be saddling up his horse, Brown Beauty (the same name of Paul Revere’s horse), and head to Lexington sounding the alarm. Once he gets to Arlington, he will tell colonists there about the reason for his ride. He will make his way to Lexington to make his final speech by 1 p.m.

Both Reale and Tobin will be yelling “the Regulars are out!” from start to finish.

The British army was also referred to as the Red Coats and, sometimes, the Lobster Backs. 

Since 1993, Tobin has reenacted either Revere’s ride, William Dawes’ ride, another Minuteman who warned of British invasion, or a cavalry escort who rode from Boston to Lexington. Previously, he has also taken part in the the ceremonial lighting of the lanterns in the tower of Boston’s Old North Church, which kicked off the Midnight Ride celebrated in a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Tobin beams with pride over his duties.

“How many people can say they reenact the Paul Revere ride and go the whole length?” Tobin said. “It’s such an honor and privilege.”

Revere’s historic route starts in Boston’s North End, passes through several towns along the way — including Charlestown, Somerville, Medford, and Arlington — and ends in Lexington. Dawes' ride, which is reenacted by Matthew Johnson and Eric Gallant this year, begins in Roxbury, stopping at Brookline, Cambridge and Arlington, and also ends in Lexington.

A lot of people are not even aware that Tobin rides or reenacts with The National Lancers.

On Patriot’s Day, with Boston thronged with tourists and Marathon watchers, Tobin said a fair number of people aren't tuned to this ode to history.

“They’re looking at you like what is this guy doing on a horse on Mass. Ave. on Route 60,” said Tobin with a chuckle.

But Patriot’s Day gives Tobin, as well as other National Lancers, the opportunity to remember why the day is celebrated.

To Tobin, the day has profound significance.

"It means to be given the freedom.”