Bunker Hill Day in United States

Bunker Hill Day marks the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, also known as the Battle of Breed's Hill, on June 17 each year. This battle, which occurred in 1775, was part of the Siege of Boston. This siege took place during the American Revolutionary War, which is also known as the American War of Independence.

Bunker Hill Day commemorates a part of American history.

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What do people do?

A range of events are organized, usually at historic sites and museums. Examples include: re-enactments of historical events; displays on Native American life; performances of live music; and demonstrations of colonial cooking and crafts. Many events are held on a weekend close to June 1, so families can attend.

On the Sunday before or on June 17, a large parade is held in Charlestown, Massachusetts, to celebrate Bunker Hill Day and to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. Various groups take part in the parade including: local marching bands and other musical groups; current and past military personnel; re-enactment groups, especially those connected to the Siege of Boston; sports groups; fire trucks; police motorcycles; and floats sponsored by local businesses. Many people also visit re-enactments of battles and other events from the American Revolutionary War or visit the Bunker Hill Monument or other historic sites on the Boston Freedom Trail.

Public life

Bunker Hill Day is a state holiday in Suffolk County in Massachusetts, USA. Many libraries and schools are closed and public transit services may operate to a reduced schedule or not operate at all in the county. However, state offices are open. There may be some traffic congestion around large parades or particular sites. Bunker Hill Day is not a public holiday in other parts of Massachusetts and the USA.

Background

The Charlestown Peninsula is north of the Charles River and south of the Mystic River and extends about one mile (1.6 kilometers) into Boston Harbor. There are two hills on Charlestown Peninsula: Bunker Hill in the north; and Breed's Hill in the south. On June 16, 1775, Colonel William Prescott and around 1,500 soldiers moved into the area and started to build a fortification on Breed's Hill. In the early hours of the next morning, they were spotted by a British Navy ship. The British attacked and conquered the peninsula, but about 1500 people died in the battle.

The events on Bunker Hill were part of the Siege of Boston, which lasted from April 19, 1775, until March 17, 1776. The Siege of Boston was part of the American Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 until 1783. It is unclear as to when the day was first officially observed, however records show that it was observed in the United States as far back as 1863.

Symbols

The current and past flags of the United States are important symbols of the emergence of the United States as an independent country. These flags are widely displayed on Bunker Hill Day. The 13 (seven red and six white) horizontal stripes on the flag of the United States represent the original 13 colonies, which declared independence from Great Britain during or before 1790. Each of the white stars on a blue background represents one of the current states.

The Flag of New England and the Flag of Bunker Hill are also associated with the Battle of Bunker Hill. The Flag of New England is a red rectangle. There is a white square containing an image of a tree on the upper part of the flag, which is hung closest to the flag pole. The Flag of Bunker Hill consists of a dark blue rectangle, again with a white square on the upper part of the flag, which is hung closest to the flag pole. The white square contains an image of Saint George's cross, which is a symbol of England. A tree is depicted in one of the upper quarters of the Saint George's cross.

Bunker Hill Day Observances

Related holiday

• Evacuation Day ―Sunday, March 17, 2013, Observed: Monday, March 18, 2013

Other holidays in June 2013 in United States

• Statehood Day ―Saturday, June 1, 2013
• Jefferson Davis Birthday ―Monday, June 3, 2013
• Jefferson Davis Birthday ―Monday, June 3, 2013
• International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression ―Tuesday, June 4, 2013
• World Environment Day ―Wednesday, June 5, 2013
• Isra and Mi'raj ―Thursday, June 6, 2013
• D-Day ―Thursday, June 6, 2013
• World Oceans Day ―Saturday, June 8, 2013
• Kamehameha Day ―Tuesday, June 11, 2013
• World Day Against Child Labour ―Wednesday, June 12, 2013
• World Blood Donor Day ―Friday, June 14, 2013
• Flag Day ―Friday, June 14, 2013
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day ―Saturday, June 15, 2013
• Father's Day ―Sunday, June 16, 2013
• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought ―Monday, June 17, 2013
• Juneteenth ―Wednesday, June 19, 2013
• West Virginia Day ―Thursday, June 20, 2013
• World Refugee Day ―Thursday, June 20, 2013
• June Solstice ―Friday, June 21, 2013
• Public Service Day ―Sunday, June 23, 2013
• International Widows' Day ―Sunday, June 23, 2013
• Day of the Seafarer ―Tuesday, June 25, 2013
• International Day in Support of Victims of Torture ―Wednesday, June 26, 2013
• International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ―Wednesday, June 26, 2013