Minuteman Historical Park

This is a song that was sung at the completion of the Concord Monument on April 19, 1836. The first stanza is on the minuteman statue at the Minuteman Historical Park in Concord. If you haven't been there, plan to go this year. We are very fortunate to be living near such a historic site.


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 that seaward creeps.
*
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today 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 -