And fired the shot heard round the world.....

Concord Hymn

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Ralph Waldo Emerson

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By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

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Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,

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Here once the embattled farmers stood

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And fired the shot heard round the world.

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The foe long since in silence slept;

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Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;

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And Time the ruined bridge has swept

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Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

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On this green bank, by this soft stream,

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We set to-day a votive stone;

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That memory may their deed redeem,

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When, like our sires, are sons are gone.

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Spirit, that made those heroes dare

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To die and leave their children free,

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Bid Time and Nature gently spare

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The shaft we raise to them and thee.