Patriot's Day

 Concord Hymn

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 today a votive stone,

That memory may their deeds redeem

When, like our sires, our sons are gone. 

Spirit who made their heroes dare,

To die and leave their children free,

Bid time and nature gently spare,

The shaft we raise to them and thee.