While we were in Boston we escaped one morning while Archer was a Preschool and Amelia was napping and headed to Lexington and Concord to see the sights. 

While most of the homes and visitors centers were closed (They open by reservation) I was surprised by how touching just being on location was. When we saw the tavern where the minutemen had gathered awaiting news, my mind turned to Les Miserables and the scene where the young men are gathered together discussing their plans for the revolution. I had never seen the minutemen like that: young, gregarious, and somewhat illogical youth, who, pursuing their idealism, were willing to risk their lives. I was struck by the fact that the men who died upon the field I stood were my age, but they believed enough in their cause to risk their lives. It bore the questions, for what would I risk my life? How strong are my beliefs?

I had forgotten that the beginning of the skirmish was defensive. Captain Butler specifically instructed: “Stand your ground, don’t fire unless fired upon. . .” 

In Concord we gave thanks for concord grapes, saw Sleepy Hollow cemetary, drove by Louise May Alcott’s home, and visited the Old North Bridge where “the shot that was heard around the world” was fired. It was interesting to see these sites a few days after being in NYC- a symbol of America’s progress and greatness. I felt proud to be an American, and compelled to be a more active citizen. 

So nigh is grandeur to our dust

so near is God to man

When Duty whispers low thou must

The youth replies I can

-Emerson