Extending our gratitude
To the Editor,
All associated with the Michael P. Quinn Scholarship Fund extend our gratitude to your coverage over the years. The altruistic assistance from Sioux Gerow, of your staff coupled with Derek Kouyoumjian’s photos were deeply appreciated. The Patriot-Bridge, has enhanced Michael’s mission for which we are most grateful.
Regards,
Ronan J. FitzPatrick
Treasurer
Preserving Boston’s historical treasures
To the Editor,
A Superb Public Sculpture? A Battlefield Marker? The Bunker Hill Monument is Both.
Did you know that the Bunker Hill Monument is not recognized by the City of Boston as a local landmark? About a month ago, the BLC received a letter from the BHMA board of directors, requesting their guidance and support in recognizing the Bunker Hill Monument as a local landmark. The letter claims that local recognition would complement the Bunker Hill monument’s existing status as a National Historic Landmark and align it with other Freedom Trail sites which have achieved dual recognition for their historical significance such as the Boston Common (and soon to be Old South Meeting House and Old North Church).
The letter goes on to state, “Though once its own city, Charlestown is now a neighborhood within Boston. Boston is one city, and Revolutionary War sites within its boundaries should be considered for local landmark status if they meet the criteria established by the Boston Landmarks Commission. These sites not only preserve our shared heritage but also contribute significantly to Boston’s economy by attracting tourists nearly every day of the year.
The Bunker Hill Monument is far more than an architectural structure. It is first and foremost an iconic historic land marker. Built to commemorate a pivotal event in American history—the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Although the current monument was completed in 1843, its historical significance dates back to 1794, when efforts to memorialize this sacred ground began. The monument serves as a replacement for this earlier marker and stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of our first veterans.
This local designation will reflect not only the architectural significance of Solomon Willard’s granite obelisk but also what it represents—a battlefield marker symbolizing American resilience and independence.” By granting local landmark status to the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston would elevate its honor to the highest standard. Honoring the monument with local landmark status would aid in educating future generations about the epic first army battle and its prominent place in Boston’s revolutionary legacy.
The letter concludes with the following proposition: “We propose that this designation be formally sponsored by your office in time for June 17, 2025, a fitting occasion to celebrate this monument’s enduring significance. This action would demonstrate Boston’s leadership in preserving Revolutionary War landmarks while reinforcing its commitment to honoring each neighborhoods’ unique contributions to our shared history. Thank you for your consideration and commitment to preserving Boston’s historical treasures and for making sure that all eligible local landmarks throughout each of Boston’s neighborhoods are represented fairly on the local register.”
Of course, some will try to say it can’t be done because the Monument is overseen by NPS – this is not true. It can be done. And what better time to ensure that this additional honor and protection be bestowed upon our beloved Monument than the 250th anniversary of the Battle for which it stands.
Johanna Hynes
Recognize the Bunker Hill Monument as a Local Landmark
To the Editor,
On behalf of the Bunker Hill Monument Association board of directors, we respectfully request your guidance and support in recognizing the Bunker Hill Monument as a local landmark under the Boston Landmarks Commission. This designation would complement its existing status as a National Historic Landmark and align it with other Freedom Trail sites such as the Boston Common (and soon to be Old South Meeting House thanks to the BLC Commissioner who initiated the petition) which have achieved dual recognition for their historical significance.
Though once its own city, Charlestown is now a neighborhood within Boston. Boston is one city, and Revolutionary War sites within its boundaries should be considered for local landmark status if they meet the criteria established by the Boston Landmarks Commission. These sites not only preserve our shared heritage but also contribute significantly to Boston’s economy by attracting tourists nearly every day of the year.
The Bunker Hill Monument is far more than an architectural structure; it is first and foremost an iconic historic land marker. Built to commemorate a pivotal event in American history—the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Although the current monument was completed in 1843, its historical significance dates back to 1794, when efforts to memorialize this sacred ground began. The monument serves as a replacement for this earlier marker and stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of our first veterans.
This local designation will reflect not only the architectural significance of Solomon Willard’s granite obelisk but also what it represents—a battlefield marker symbolizing American resilience and independence. By granting local landmark status to the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston would further ensure its preservation and elevate its role in educating future generations about Boston’s revolutionary legacy.
We propose that this designation be formally sponsored by your office in time for June 17, 2025, a fitting occasion to celebrate this monument’s enduring significance. This action would demonstrate Boston’s leadership in preserving Revolutionary War landmarks while reinforcing its commitment to honoring each neighborhoods’ unique contributions to our shared history. Thank you for your consideration and commitment to preserving Boston’s historical treasures and for making sure that all eligible local landmarks throughout each of Boston’s neighborhoods are represented fairly on the local register.
Best Regards,
The Bunker Hill Monument Association, Board of Directors
We can all do our part
To the Editor,
What was the purpose of your Earth Day editorial? You ended it with the statement: “The present is bad and the future will be worse — and there is nothing we can do about it.”
Global warming is a grave problem, but your statement suggests we just give up. There are many scientists and researchers who are working on the problem. We can all do our part to reduce carbon emissions and encourage other people and countries to do the same. We can hope and we can act.
Editorial writers should identify problems, but they should also point to solutions; no matter how dire the situation.
Tom Wilson