19 April 1775: The shot heard round the world

“Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war let it begin here.”  Those were the words that Captain John Parker told his minutemen on this day 237 years ago.  This was the day that the American Revolution and the fight to secure liberty for all Americans began when 77 minutemen engaged 700 British regulars in the village of Lexington just west of Boston.  I can only image what was going through the minds of Captain Parker’s men as they gathered on the village green in the early morning hours on April 19, 1775 to face the British regulars; the most powerful army in the world.  I’m sure some questioned the wisdom of their actions; however it had become clear to many colonists that their grievances were not going to be addressed by the crown and the time to act was at hand.  I’m also sure they knew that there was no turning back because by taking arms up against the crown they were committing high treason.  They were risking everything to secure the liberties we take for granted today.  The liberties we freely surrender to our government masters.

Below is a clip of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

The following is a brief description of the battle by U.S. history.com.

As the British advance party approached shortly after dawn, 77 Minutemen were instructed by Captain Parker: “Stand your ground; don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” The British commander, who was pleasantly surprised by the small size of the American force, ordered the colonists to throw down their arms and disperse. Some began to obey the order to leave, but held on to their arms. At that point a shot was fired. Who actually fired that first shot cannot be answered with certainty, but a number of experts have theorized that it was probably an American who may have fired from a hidden position — perhaps from behind a stone fence or from the nearby tavern. Other shots quickly followed, and when the smoke cleared, eight Americans lay dead and 10 were wounded. One British soldier was slightly wounded. The outmatched Minutemen retreated into the nearby woods and the redcoats proceeded westward to their main objective, Concord.

This is a day we must remember because it was on this day people from all walks of life, with differing political ideologies, languages, and backgrounds came together on a field outside of Lexington Massachusetts and fought for liberty and freedom.  This is a day that should humble each of us and to be thankful that such men lived so that we may be free.  Think about this moment in our nation’s history and compare it to what we now have in Washington D.C. today.  My how we have lost our way.

Liberty forever, freedom for all!