Charlestown is a tightly knit community where new and old residents alike form relationships and relish in the past, present and future of their deep-rooted home. One of the best ways in which people come together is the annual Bunker Hill Day Parade, commemorating America’s independence from the British on June 17, 1775.
The sun sparkled as families followed the parade from the corner of Tufts and Bunker Hill Street to Common Street. Sailors from the USS Constitution, America’s first warship, led the parade that included members of the Charlestown Militia dressed in revolutionary war uniforms, and over one thousand residents. But there was an extra ray, adding more shine to the already special day. U.S. Representative Michael Capuano made a point to support Bunker Hill Day as a federal holiday.
At the 27th Bunker Hill Associates Breakfast held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Medford Street, a packed room, full of Charlestown residents and Boston city officials, listened intently as Capuano ignited an idea that he hopes others will support.
“There are people who went on to become governors and congressman, two who became secretary-at-war. These people were just, us. That’s why I think it should be a national holiday…It says more about America, what happened that day, than almost anything since. And yet, we tend to forget. Some people write that oh, Bunker Hill Day is just another day. None of us forgets on Memorial Day, none of us forgets on Flag Day, none of us forgets on Veterans Day. We should not forget on Bunker Hill Day,” Capuano said.
Capuano won’t file legislation on Capitol Hill until he gains enough support from the Charlestown community, but he certainly intends to make a defined holiday out of one of the most important days in Boston’s history. And based on the parade’s turn out, it seems like residents are in accordance with the senator. Charlestown children, parents, grandparents and friends enjoyed the day’s events, and through participation alone, created a swell of respect and remembrance for the day that changed America’s fate.
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