Just a few days after the formation of the American Army, from the ragtag Minute Men who had fought the British troops in Concorde and Lexington a couple months earlier, they engaged on their first major battle. Two hundred thirty years ago today, was the battle of Bunker Hill, fought under the eyes of the townspeople of Boston. They didn't win, but they proved they could fight, and it was the beginning of a long and frustrating war for the British, of which they would ultimately tire six years later.

Four years? They kept at it until (for all intents and purposes) Yorktown in 1781, and the war wasn't formally ended for another two years after that.

Yeah and my kids are out of school today as the payroll patriots enjoy yet another 3 day weekend.

D'oh!

I knew it was 1781, but it was too early in the morning for simple subtraction.

Yes, Bunker Hill Day is THE major "Hack Holiday" for the public servants of MA. Do NOT in any circumstances get on the road between Boston and the Cape after 2PM Thursday, the day before.