Happy Evacuation Day

While for most,  today is widely celebrated in honor of Saint Patrick driving the snakes from Ireland. Many Americans will celebrate via mugs of green beer, shamrocks, and if you live by Chicago, the annual dyeing of the Chicago River. However for those living in Suffolk County and Cambridge, Massachusetts today is also celebrated as “Evacuation Day”.

Today is celebrated by the aforementioned as an official holiday commemorating the day the British were finally driven from Boston during the American Revolutionary War. After waging an eleven month battle and after fortifying Dorchester Heights with canons captured from Fort Ticonderoga, the Continental Army under the leadership of George Washington, forced General William Howe, his garrison, and navy into full retreat and evacuation of Boston.

The battle which was won by firing only a few warning shots resulted in no causalities, freed Boston Harbor from its blockade, prevented a repeat of Bunker Hill, and gave General Washington his first victory in the war. The bloodless battle also served as both a rallying point and morale boost for the patriots and their quest for liberty. This also marked the last time the British army would hold Boston throughout the war.

So perhaps as you swill back a beer in revelry, take a moment to celebrate this catalyzing moment in American history and give a toast to the ideal of Individual Liberty and a more perfect union.

Source: 2006 Evacuation Day