Concord Hymn

Photo: Kirk Heflin

BY the rude bridge that arched the flood, 

Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, 

Here once the embattled farmers stood 

And fired the shot heard round the world. 

The foe long since in silence slept; 

Alike the conqueror silent sleeps; 

And Time the ruined bridge has swept 

Down the dark stream which seaward creeps. On this green bank, by this soft stream, 

We set to-day a votive stone; 

That memory may their deed redeem, 

When, like our sires, our sons are gone. 

Spirit, that made those heroes dare 

To die, and leave their children free, 

Bid Time and Nature gently spare 

The shaft we raise to them and thee.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

(The Battle of Concord was fought on April 19, 1775, the start of the American Revolutionary War)