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Bunker Hill Day

Get ready to commemorate the brave soldiers who fought on Bunker Hill Day with parades, reenactments, and historical events!
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When it is?
June 17
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Country
United States
Introduction

Get ready to commemorate an important battle in American history on Bunker Hill Day, which falls on June 17th! This day commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill that took place during the American Revolutionary War in 1775. It was a significant moment in the fight for independence and is often referred to as the "first real battle" of the war. On this day, we honor those who fought and sacrificed for our country's freedom and reflect on the bravery and determination of our ancestors. Let's celebrate this important day with pride and gratitude!

History of Bunker Hill Day

Bunker Hill Day Dates

Bunker Hill Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1775</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of Bunker Hill</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the earliest battles of the American Revolutionary War, took place on June 17, 1775.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1786</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initial Commemorations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Informal commemorations started just a decade after the battle, mostly by local militias marking the day with gunfire and festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1794</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Public Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first public celebration of Bunker Hill Day took place marking the foundation of the Bunker Hill Monument Association.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1843</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bunker Hill Monument Completion</div><div class='timeline-text'>After years of construction, the Bunker Hill Monument was finally completed and dedicated, providing a permanent commemoration of the battle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1910</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>State Recognizes Bunker Hill Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bunker Hill Day was officially recognized by the state of Massachusetts as a holiday, which is still observed primarily in Boston and nearby cities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bicentennial Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The bicentennial of the battle was marked with numerous events, parades, and reenactments, with increased attention on the holiday nationally.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Bunker Hill Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a reenactment</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Experience the history of Bunker Hill Day first-hand by attending a reenactment of the battle. Many historical sites and museums offer special events and demonstrations on this day to commemorate the battle.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit Bunker Hill Monument</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to Bunker Hill Monument, a 221-foot granite obelisk that commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. Climb to the top for a spectacular view of Boston and the surrounding area.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore the Freedom Trail</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Walk along the historic Freedom Trail which passes through Bunker Hill and other important Revolutionary War sites. Learn about the events leading up to the battle and see where key figures in American history once walked.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns in Massachusetts hold parades and other festivities to celebrate Bunker Hill Day. Check your local events calendar for a parade near you and join in on the celebrations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a Revolutionary War-themed picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and have a picnic featuring traditional colonial foods like cornbread, baked beans, and apple pie. Play historical games and share interesting facts about the Revolutionary War with each other.</p></div></div>

Why Bunker Hill Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates an important battle in American history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bunker Hill Day marks the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War. It is a time to remember and honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the spirit of freedom and democracy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Battle of Bunker Hill was a symbol of defiance against British rule and a fight for liberty. Bunker Hill Day is a reminder of the principles that our country was founded on - freedom and democracy - and serves as an inspiration to continue protecting these values.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bunker Hill Day celebrations often include parades, reenactments, and other events that bring people from all walks of life together to commemorate this important event in history. It is a time for communities to come together, honor their shared history, and enjoy each other's company.</p></div></div>

5 Unearthed Facts about Bunker Hill Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bunker Hill was actually fought on Breed's Hill</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite its name, the majority of the Battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought on Breed's Hill, a less elevated, less fortified, but more strategically situated area.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Famous phrase “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” is associated with Bunker Hill</h3><p class='facts-content'>The well-known phrase was intended to ensure that every shot counts in a situation where ammunition was particularly limited, although its exact source is a matter of historical debate.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>More British soldiers were killed in Bunker Hill than Americans</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite ultimately capturing Breed's Hill, the British suffered over 1,000 casualties in this battle, compared to the Americans' approximated 400.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dr. Joseph Warren, a significant revolutionary figure, died in this battle</h3><p class='facts-content'>A key figure in the initiation of the American Revolution and a president of the revolutionary Massachusetts Provincial Congress, Warren died fighting in the front line for the cause he passionately advocated for.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bunker Hill battle was referenced in a famous speech by President Kennedy</h3><p class='facts-content'>In his 1961 inaugural address, President Kennedy mentioned the battle of Bunker Hill as an example of American courage and resilience in the fight for freedom.</p></div></div>

Bunker Hill Day FAQs

When is Bunker Hill Day?

Bunker Hill Day is celebrated on June 17th every year. In 2024, Bunker Hill Day falls on a Monday.

Bunker Hill Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jun 17

Saturday

2024

Jun 17

Monday

2025

Jun 17

Tuesday

2026

Jun 17

Wednesday

2027

Jun 17

Thursday

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