Bunker Hill Day

Bunker Hill Monument

One of my most favorite days of the year recently passed: Bunker Hill Day! Allow me to start with some background information (courtesy of Wikipedia):


The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, mostly on and around Breed's Hill, during the Siege of Boston early in the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after the adjacent Bunker Hill, which was peripherally involved in the battle and was the original objective of both colonial and British troops, and is occasionally referred to as the "Battle of Breed's Hill."

Bunker Hill Day, observed every June 17, is a legal holiday in Suffolk County, Massachusetts (which includes the city of Boston) However, the state's FY2011 budget requires all state and municipal offices in Suffolk County be open on Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day. State institutions in Massachusetts (such as public institutions of higher) located in Boston also celebrate the holiday.

That's the official, historical aspect of Bunker Hill Day. Now that THAT'S over with: from this blogger's point of view? It's an amazing day in which to hang out with my family (and drink in public). it's a predominantly IRISH celebration, as most of Charlestown's inhabitants are of Irish descent.

The day always starts with the commute and the finding of a parking spot. A challenge on a NORMAL day, but a near impossibility on Parade Day.

Upon arrival and once the beers are placed in the cooler, there is the unveiling of the Bunker Hill Day decorations that my aunt does a spectacular job on every year (as pictured below).

Bunker Hill decorations (w/ my little cousin sneaking snacks)

Once the snacks and preliminary beers have both been consumed and pleasantries exchanged (usually in this order), there is the great procession up the hill towards the parade route. Admittedly, I was participating a little too much in the "celebratory" portion of the festivities (pictured below), so I didn't take as many pictures as usual. Please enjoy some photos I took mixed in with photos from the internet :)

with my "parade cup" in hand

The USS Constitution (ak Old Ironsides) is a Charlestown Landmark

Once the parade concludes, more eating takes place (which I failed to take photos of...I swear I will get better at this!).

One incredibly cool thing that I learned this year about Bunker Hill Day's past came courtesy of my uncle. It's no secret that Bunker Hill Day is a MAJOR place for politicians to come shake hands and plead for votes with the crowd. However, what I nevert know was that the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, actually began his campaign for his US Congressional seat AT The Bunker Hill Day parade in 1946!

JFK campaigns at the Parade in 1946!

I cannot wait until next year! :)