As the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill begins in earnest, representative democracy is alive and well. Charlestown’s own State Representative Dan Ryan has been appointed by Mayor Wu to the Boston Commemoration Commission. Ryan was sworn in last month by City Clerk Alex Geourntas.
Established in 2021 by an act of the Boston City Council, and reconfigured earlier this year, the Boston Commemoration Commission seeks to tell the story of Boston’s history, through the historical memories of the local communities. According to the enabling documents, the Commission’s charge is to develop and execute a plan to mark upcoming historical anniversaries, inclusive of the United States sestercentennial (250th) in 2026; along with the 400th anniversary of the City of Boston’s founding.
“Boston, and particularly Charlestown, is rich in history. Next year will be the nation’s 250th Birthday. 2026 gives us an opportunity to retell our city’s story to a new generation of Americans. Because Boston lit the first flame of rebellion in 1775, we are little ahead of the Independence celebrations that will occur around the country next year. My goal on the Commission is to help lead the transition from the battles of 1775 in Lexington and Concord, and at Bunker Hill, while demonstrating how those epic moments set the stage for what would unfold a year later and why. I thank Mayor Wu for recognizing Charlestown’s pivotal role in these actions”.
“From John Winthrop’s first sermon before landing in Charlestown ‘the eyes of all people are upon us’”, Ryan quipped. “For now, I’m focused on Bunker Hill Day, and then it’s on to Ticonderoga and 1776”, Ryan said, channeling his best Bill Belichick.
The Commission will continue to meet through 2030 when the City of Boston celebrates 400 years since its founding.