You can’t take Charlestown out of the battle so why take the battle out of Charlestown?
To the Editor,
A recent news article about moving the Battle of Bunker Hilll reenactment up to Gloucester raises valid concerns about the logistical constraints of staging such an event in Monument Square. It’s true that it would be nearly impossible to fit hundreds of reenactors on so few acres to perform an authentic battle scene. And yet, the same would’ve been true 250 years – when the real battle took place.
Why? Because the battle wasn’t confined to the small area now enclosed by wrought iron gates. It spanned across the entire Charlestown peninsula, including public spaces that remain open today, such as Walford Way and the 18 acres of undeveloped, core battlefield land across the Bunker Hill Housing Development.
To suggest that reenacting the battle authentically in Charlestown is impossible ignores these lesser known but equally important battle sites which, weaved together, could have accommodated a more accurate and immersive representation of the battle’s true scope and complexity.
The decision to relocate to Gloucester avoids a logistical headache, but it sacrifices the true telling of the epic battle that happened HERE. How was it decided that it couldn’t be done here? Was there a vote? A task force? Or was it just a bunch of self-appointed individuals speaking for the whole town. Charlestown is central to this pivotal event in American history, and staging the reenactment elsewhere deprives our neighborhood of an opportunity to promote and preserve its legacy as the site of the first major battle of the Revolution.
To join the good fight email us at [email protected]
Johanna Hynes
Charlestown Historic Battlefield District Committee
Harbor Park Earth Celebration
To the Editor,
Hello Friends, neighbors and Beyond.
Please join an Earth Day event on Saturday, the 26 of April from 11-3 at Pier 5 in the Navy Yard to celebrate planet Earth and learning how we all can contribute to saving the environment for future generations.
The Pier 5 Association has been working tirelessly for many years to ensure the 2 acres of Pier 5 remain a public waterfront for ALL. We are committed to this endeavor as a respite for all of Charlestown and beyond to enjoy our beautiful iconic head of the harbor. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for environmental justice and together we can create a more compassionate world for ALL.
What are the happenings at the April 26th event?
– Activities for all: Many opportunities to learn how we each can do our part to ensure a healthy planet through ideas and presentations from knowledgeable sources.
For the children: Face painting, activities, a children’s book swap with new bookbags. Please bring any used books for this activity to share in the swap.
For all: We are pleased once again to have the Boston Fire Department and their expertise providing fire safety tips, needed and necessary to keep us all safe.
More for all: Music, refreshments, and other fun-filled activities.
In addition, there are many Charlestown residents, some of whom are experiencing food insecurity. We welcome volunteers from the Harvest on Vine Food Pantry to provide information and ways for others to be involved through volunteering or donations. Non-perishable food items are especially needed and help the pantry in their work to provide help for those in need. Please drop off any of these items at the HOV table.
Also, the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be on hand to describe their work in providing household items, furniture, and help to those who need assistance as well as information regarding organizations that provide resources. Learn more about this organization and how you can also help with their mission.
But most important, this is a great opportunity for neighbors to meet neighbors from all over Charlestown and share their hopes, ideas, and interest in keeping our community the “best place to live” on the planet.
With your help and commitment, perhaps next year, our 5th Earth Day event can be one for a celebration of a public waterfront park for all and the start of new beginnings providing this treasure for future generations.
Please come and be part of this, Saturday, April 26th from 11-3 at Pier 5, free for all.
Looking forward to seeing you!!
Pier 5 Association
As we grieve these days and remember our beloved Holy Father:
To the Editor,
It’s beautiful that Pope Francis should receive the promise of Eternal Life as we bask in the Easter dawn. By his gracious and generous ministry, he let the love of Christ’s mercy and love shine in the hearts of all people of good will, particularly for the poor, the forgotten, those who struggle, those who we are called to serve, love and defend.
Recently, I traveled to Rome with members of our Collaborative family and was asked what I’d say to the Pope if I were given the chance. All I could think of was two words: Thank you. For all the good he did, for Catholics and for so many others, our world is better. May His successor continue to challenge us all to be better Catholics, Christians, and people of good will.
Diocesan priests like me have a natural rivalry with Jesuits- Francis, though his natural charm, warm smile and sincere enthusiasm rose above it all and taught us all as a father. He truly was one of us and will always be.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Join us at Masses this weekend as we will remember our beloved Francis, a nd pray for his successor.
Fr. John Sheridan, Pastor
Charlestown Catholic
Collaborative
St. Mary-St. Catherine Parish
St. Francis de Sales Parish
Harvest on Vine Food Pantry