Concord Hymn

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,

The Minute Man

(Dedicated in 1885)

Here once the embattled farmers stood,

And fired the shot heard around 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.

Old North Bridge

A painting by Jack Skinner

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.

Old North Bridge Monument

"Concord Hymn"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

(1837)

This hymn was sung at the completion of

the Concord obelisk monument

July 4, 1837