Patriots' Day, April 19 - 'Concord Hymn' (R. W. Emerson)

[pinto]

Celebrated on the third Monday (the 18th this year), events include re-enactments of Paul Revere's ride, the battles at Lexington Green and The Old North Bridge in Concord.

This oft overlooked poem is a beautiful note to those who helped set the stage for our independence.

Concord Hymn

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 spirits 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

On the dedication of the Obelisk monument in Concord, Massachusetts (1836)

[virgogal]

1. Thanks for posting that. Sadly,it has become Boston Marathon Day

and people forget the real reason for the holiday.