The current version of the Old North Bridge in Concord, site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, on April 19, 1775, the date once marked as Patriots Day in Massachusetts, though it is now set for “the third Monday in April.’’ There was a less important skirmish earlier that day in Lexington, down the road. The monument here celebrates that day, as does Emerson’s famous poem.
“Concord Hymn’’
Sung at the Completion of the Battle Monument, July 4, 1837
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 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.
