Lexington Green: The Shot Heard Round the World

The night was quiet in Lexington, Massachusetts. The stars were bright and cold. Captain John Parker sat by his fire. He was a farmer. He was a father. And tonight, he was a soldier. A rider galloped down the dark road. His horse's hooves pounded the earth. "The Redcoats are coming!" the rider called out. "The British soldiers are marching here!" Captain Parker stood up tall. He buttoned his coat. He picked up his musket. He walked to the village green. One by one, his neighbors came too. They were farmers and cobblers and blacksmiths. Some were young. Some had gray beards. They carried their own muskets in the cold morning air. Seventeen-year-old Ebenezer Munroe stood beside the captain. His hands trembled a little. "Are you afraid?" a friend whispered. "Yes," said Ebenezer. "But I am standing here anyway." That is what bravery looks like. As the pink sun began to rise, seven hundred British soldiers marched onto the green. Their red coats were bright as fire. Their boots shook the ground. Captain Parker looked at his seventy-seven men. He spoke in a strong, steady voice. "Stand your ground. Do not fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." Those words were like a bell ringing across all of America. The Minutemen stood their ground. They were small in number. But they were enormous in courage. That April morning, ordinary people chose something hard. They chose freedom. They chose each other. They chose to be brave even when their hands trembled. And that choice started a nation. Now close your eyes, little one. The stars are still bright. And somewhere, brave hearts are standing on green grass, choosing courage just for you. Sleep well.