Who will forget American history’s recording of Paul Revere’s pivotal ride westward on the eve of April 19, 1775? The British Redcoats were preparing to march toward Lexington and then Concord, to capture arms reportedly in the hands of the colonists. Revere was on a mission to warn of their arrival.  As renowned poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, would later write, “One if by land, two if by sea,” referring to signal lanterns to be hung in the steeple of the Old North Church. As the lanterns became visible, Revere, after crossing the Charles, mounted his steed and galloped west. With the help of fellow riders, the message was delivered in time for the colonists to prepare their defense. What happened thereafter is common knowledge to us all; the birth of American independence was at hand.

Recently, your writer had the privilege of attending a ceremony in front of the nationally acclaimed Concord Museum, dedicating a beautifully crafted large-scale recreation of the famous Old North Church lantern. Standing over ten feet tall, the structure is perfect in detail, scaled to the original which is on display in the museum. It was created by artist Bill Crosby of Crosby Design with the strong support of the Concord townspeople and Richard Fahlander of Art for All, who helped spearhead the project and served as master of ceremonies at its dedication and lighting.

At a time when many of us feel that American democracy is tattered and teetering, the surge of pride that pulsed through the arteries of the onlookers was palpable. The crowd roared with joy and approval as 17 bicyclists’ following the colonial riders’ route arrived from Boston, carrying a symbolic torch with which to ignite the giant replica. The ceremony was indeed inspiring, providing clear evidence that democracy and the liberty, equality and freedom it still inspires in most of us is alive and well.

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