Happy Evacuation Day everyone!!! On March 17, 1776, British forces retreated from Boston during the American Revolutionary War. It was the end of an 11-month siege when the Continental Army, under the direction of General George Washington, secured Dorchester Heights and forced the British to retreat all the way north to Nova Scotia. Suffolk County, in which Boston lies, has celebrated the holiday since 1901. Government offices are closed, and schools are not in session. Although not in Suffolk County, public schools in Cambridge and Somerville are also closed for the holiday. If March 17th falls over a weekend, the following Monday is the officially observed holiday.
Oh yeah, Boston has a large Irish population if you didn't know. Afterall... while it would be wrong to declare a government holiday for a religious figure who is the patron saint of another country, it is perfect acceptable to celebrate recapturing the city of Boston from a bunch of English blokes during the Revolutionary War especially if it coincides with another, more famous, celebration. And if you can get a day off and drink your face off in the process, so much the better.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy Evacuation Day!
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14 comments:
And how are you celebrating these two happily coinciding holidays?
(Don't forget: in Berkeley, May 19 is Malcolm X Day and Columbus Day is actually Indigenous Peoples Day -- just to add a little West Coast flavor to your holiday schedule.)
happy st. patty's day :)
Wow, I did not know that!
But now I think the entire country needs to rally to make it a national holiday... After all, it was a very auspicious historical event that brought it about.
I think this means I'm moving to Boston
I will never forget the one St Patrick's Day I spent in Boston. Except for the parts I don't remember...
Jennifer... thanks for the info. I guess I'll see you 5/19.
MJ... thanks, you too!
Karen... this blog is both entertaining and occasionally informative
Annie... So you're saying you are Shipping Up to Boston?
Megan... But do you remember the one Evacuation Day you spent in Boston?
Really? I did not know that! I've been to Nova Scotia. They had to treck that far?! Why didn't they just go to Vermont? New Hampshire? Maine? Hell Northern Maine is as remote as Nova Scotia just not as far. Why not New York? I would have forced them to New Jersey.
XO
Blottie... even the British didn't want New Jersey.
EXACTLY!!! The Brits would have loved it!
happy birthday bob! (it is a new day HERE!)
Bob, just so you know, I'm going to win those socks.
Bring it on rose lady. Give it your best shot.
Bob, how do you suggest I do that?
Kind regards,
Rose Lady
Suzy... those socks will be mine. I will not be denied.
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