Concord Hymn

HYMN: SUNG AT THE COMPLETION OF THE CONCORD MONUMENT

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, or leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
⁠The shaft we raise to them and thee.

Want to know how poetry used to be a part of American popular culture?  On October 3, 1951, at the Polo Grounds in New York, the Giants were playing the Dodgers for the National League pennant.  They were down 4-1 going into the ninth inning.  After a couple of outs and three hits, the score was 4-2, with men on second and third…