november 11.

"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 today a votive made of 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."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Concord Hymn"

I'm not a huge poetry fan and even less an Emerson fan. But Veteran's Day was a good time to share one of the few that I do like. Even if it's technically honoring veterans from the Revolution. (i guess sometimes i do cave into the "obligatory holiday posts"...)