Patriots' Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, symbolizing American resistance against British rule. However, extremist groups have co-opted its meaning, using patriotic symbols to further far-right rhetoric and radicalization. While Massachusetts and Maine observe this day as a public holiday, other states have mixed recognition. Scholars warn that these symbols distort the true essence of freedom, with extremist movements like Patriot Front planning protests that misrepresent patriotic intent. The Southern Poverty Law Center highlights this trend, showing how historical symbols are manipulated to promote white supremacy under the guise of patriotism.
The appropriation of patriotic symbols like the American flag and Patriots' Day has raised concerns regarding their use in far-right extremism, distorting the original meaning.
Patriots' Day has been seized by extremist groups, with an effort to redefine symbols of freedom and liberty in a context that promotes radicalization.
In interviews with extremists, members of the Patriot Front revealed their intent to use Patriots' Day for protesting and garnering public attention for a white homeland.
The Southern Poverty Law Center showed that extremist groups incorporate U.S. history symbols to further white supremacy under the guise of fighting for freedom.
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