“I am too old to run.” These are the words of James Miller. He was a 65-year-old Minuteman. The James Miller Minuteman Monument Plaque honors his sacrifice.
April 19, 1775 was a significant day. British soldiers marched past Prospect Hill. They were headed to Lexington and Concord. Their mission was to destroy military stores. These stores belonged to the rebellious colonists.
The “shot heard round the world” echoed. The British retreated to Boston the next day. Local farmers fired at them. Another skirmish occurred near Union Square. The colonists were outgunned. All but one retreated. James Miller stood his ground.
“I am too old to run,” Miller declared. He fought until he was killed. Thirteen bullets pierced him. His home was nearby on Washington Street. James Miller was the only American killed in Somerville. The British suffered considerable losses. The Minutemen were active in the rear. They harassed the British along the Battle Road.
James Miller became a symbol. He was the last Patriot casualty that day. The battle stretched from Lexington to Charlestown. The James Miller Minuteman Monument Plaque marks his courage.
Before the Revolution, Prospect Hill was farmland. It was once called Strawberry Hill. British soldiers marched past it. They were on their way to Concord. They aimed to suppress the colonists.
After Concord, the British retreated. They again passed Prospect Hill. Another fight broke out. Miller refused to flee. His bravery inspires us still.
The James Miller Minuteman Monument Plaque stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom. Boston Stone Restoration once restored the monument. This was done to honor Miller. It also honored all fallen soldiers. The restoration was a labor of love.
Remember James Miller. Remember his words. “I am too old to run.” He chose to fight for liberty. The James Miller Minuteman Monument Plaque commemorates his valor. It ensures his story lives on. Let us honor his memory. Let us cherish the freedom he helped secure.