Patriots Day

            On this day (April 19, 1775) General Gage set out with English Troops to confiscate all cannon, powder and shot that they could from the villages of Lexington and Concord. In addition they wished to capture rebels John Hancock and Samuel Adams. A growing resentment by the colonists had been building for some over issues like taxation and the British Governments disregard for the colonist’s rights. Paul Revere with the aid of William Dawes and Samuel Prescott set out by horseback to warn the citizens of the British march. On this morning, the British troops were met by 50 to 70 rebels with arms at the town of Lexington. The British opened fire almost immediately wounding or killing several Minutemen. The rebels did not return fire.

            As the British troops continued to march they were ambushed at the laceName w:st="on">OldlaceName> laceName w:st="on">NorthlaceName> laceType w:st="on">BridgelaceType> near Concord. Thus began the “shot heard around the world.” What followed was a war of independence which lasted eight long years. The vast majority of Americans are unaware of the terrible sacrifice these patriots made solely based upon an issue of principle. Most of our Founding Fathers were relatively rich men and could have gone on to live their lives easily under British rule.  They were men of character, who could not ignore the injustices to which they witnessed. I only wish more Americans today had this character. In my opinion, we tolerate far more injustice in our lives than the colonists did.

            If you don’t know what I am talking about, then I fear that through conditioning you have become immune to the numerous insults and harassment to which we are all subjected. Americans today seem to crave physical comfort and entertainment above all else. The amount of ignorance I encounter on a daily basis makes my stomach turn. It has been estimated that only about 30-35% of the colonists supported independence, while approximately an equal number favored life under British rule. No doubt the Journalists/Academics of today would side with the British and mock the rebels. The following quote to those who advocated appeasing the British has always moved me and seems relevant as ever.

"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your consul, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains set lightly upon you; and may posterity forget ye were our countrymen."
-- Samuel Adams

Amen!!!

“It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that Gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
-- Patrick Henry, March, 1775

"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people."
-- John Adams

"The people of this country were not driven to take up arms, they did it voluntarily in defence of their liberty. They properly considered themselves as called by God, and warranted by him, to encounter every hazard in the common cause of man."
-- Samuel Adams

Concord Hymn
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, are 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.

Peace