"THE SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD"

Today, the Nineteenth of April, is PATRIOTS' DAY, the two hundred and thirty-fifth anniversary of "the shot heard round the world" which began the American War for Indepenence in Seventeen Seventy-Five at the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

For a larger view, please click on the pictures.

"THE MINUTE MAN" statue

in Lexington, Massachusetts

These famous words, penned in Eighteen Thirty-Six, are inscribed on the base of "THE MINUTE MAN" statue in Concord, Massachusetts: 

"CONCORD HYMN"
(Sung to the tune of, "OLD HUNDREDTH")

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 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.

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This is the official deposition of Captain John Parker, describing the events of 19 April 1775 at the Battle of Lexington and Concord:

"Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."

Captain John Parker

 

Statue of Captain John Parker

in Concord, Massachusetts

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Also, in observance of this sacred date, I'm reposting this video:



"PARCHMENT, QUILL, AND THE PEOPLE'S WILL"

Words and Music by:
JOHN ROBERT MALLERNEE

Tuesday 21 October 1986
Ogden, Utah

VERSE # 1:
Parchment, quill,
And the people's will
In a sacred land;
With sword and pen,
The rebel men
Made a noble stand.

CHORUS:
The light goes forth
Throughout the World
To shine for all to see.
"We, the People" forevermore
Born of God to stay free!
"We, the People" forevermore
Born of God to stay free!

VERSE # 2:
Freedom's light
Was born of fight
Against a tyrant king.
Nothing's free
Or comes easily.
You work for everything.

VERSE # 3:
Federal power
Can grow by hour,
The Founders warned us all.
Search and fight
For what is right,
Or you'll see Liberty fall!