This Friday night, April 18, front porches across North Carolina — and the rest of the country — will glow with a simple but powerful gesture: two lights shining into the darkness.
The Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative invites everyday citizens to participate in a nationwide act of remembrance and unity by placing two lights — any kind, from porch lights to lanterns — outside their homes. This symbolic gesture honors the spirit of community action that lit the path to American independence 250 years ago.
“It’s meant to be easy. You don’t need a program or a big budget,” said Sarah Koonts, North Carolina’s state archivist with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Everyone can just join in the sentiment by putting out two lights.”
The event takes its symbolism from the night of Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride. On April 18, 1775, two lanterns were hung in the tower of Boston’s Old North Church (then known as Christ Church) to signal that British troops were advancing by sea. That night, Paul Revere and William Dawes departed from Boston to warn fellow patriots of the approaching British regulars. The prearranged signal—the two lanterns—alerted colonists that the British were crossing the Charles River. As Revere and Dawes rode through the countryside, other riders joined them, creating a communication network that spread the alarm throughout Massachusetts.
These midnight rides helped set the stage for the battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the American Revolution.
LIGHTING THE WAY TOGETHER
Rather than focusing solely on that historic moment, Two Lights for Tomorrow captures the broader spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, and communities taking collective action in the face of uncertainty. This Friday is about carrying that spirit forward, the desire to protect each other.
“We’re best when we work together, and that’s going back to that Paul Revere spirit — that we’re going to go out and help those neighbors who need a warning,” Koonts explained. “We really see that carried over in other stories across the original colonies, the idea that private citizens helped alert military leaders.”
This sense of unity has sparked enthusiasm across North Carolina. While iconic sites like the State Capitol, the Battleship North Carolina, and Historic Halifax will light up with red, white, and blue displays, Koonts is also excited about the grassroots participation from towns, counties, and everyday citizens.
“Among the most special part of this is seeing people and communities make this their own,” she said. “When I saw the test lights on the Battleship North Carolina, I was so excited. And Topsail Beach is planning a 1776 light display with a drone show. But it’s just as powerful when someone puts two porch lights on at home.”
NORTH CAROLINA’S REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, North Carolina’s role in the founding of the nation will get renewed attention, with events and projects across the state.
In the early days of the revolution, North Carolina was home to the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge. The state’s firm resistance to British loyalist control helped halt British efforts in the South and inspired greater unity among the colonies.
North Carolina was also the first colony to call for independence, with the Halifax Resolves in 1776 — an early and bold declaration of intent to separate from British rule.
Perhaps most emblematic of the state’s fiercely independent character: North Carolina refused to ratify the US Constitution until a Bill of Rights was added.
“We didn’t ratify the Constitution that was first available for ratification because there was no Bill of Rights,” said Koonts. “That was an important step by North Carolina. I know there was certainly that sentiment in other states that they wanted a Bill of Rights. But those states did vote for ratification, and we didn’t.”
Events like Two Lights for Tomorrow honor the state’s legacy of standing firm for liberty and echo the values that shaped the early republic.
BE A PART OF HISTORY — FROM YOUR OWN FRONT PORCH
The April 18 event is open to everyone, and participation is simple. Individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses are encouraged to place two lights outside — on porches, in windows, on driveways, or in yards — as a sign of remembrance, hope, and shared purpose.
“This is about being part of something larger than yourself,” said Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation. “It’s a way to honor the revolutionary spirit, to reflect on how we’ve worked together through challenges, and to shine a light — literally — on our shared history.”
The John Locke Foundation is working on a series of projects to commemorate North Carolina’s role on the American Revolution, including a call for historians of all ages to put their thoughts to paper, creating a unique written record of the 250th anniversary.
As North Carolina leads the way in commemorating America’s 250th, its citizens have the opportunity to make a powerful statement with a humble act. Just two lights, glowing in the night, can connect past and present — and show that the spirit of 1776 is still alive in 2025.
More information on North Carolina’s history, and the state’s role in the American Revolution, is available on Locke’shttps://northcarolinahistory.org/ North Carolina History Project site.
