232 Years ago, a bunch of civilians fought back against the troops of the legitimate government that were coming to seize their arms.  They were willing to fight and die as free men, rather than to be disarmed.

April 19th, 1775 is when the American Revolution began.




   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 that seaward creeps.


   On this green bank, by this soft stream,
   We place with joy a votive stone,
   That memory may their deeds redeem,
   When, like our sires, our sons are gone.


   O Thou who made those heroes dare
   To die, and leave their children free, --
   Bid Time and Nature gently spare
   The shaft we raised to them and Thee.