SBCA Commemorates the Evacuation of Boston

By Rick Winterson

South Boston’s history goes back in time. This takes giant steps to do so. It is often said around here that without Evacuation Day when the British left Boston on March 17, 247 years ago in 1776, there would never have been the first Fourth of July that followed in that summer of 1776.

And that claim is historically accurate, as much as we can tell.

In addition, this justifies the effort the SBCA (the South Boston Citizens’ Association) puts into observing and celebrating each and every Evacuation Day. Evacuation Day in 2023 took place last Friday, March 17, which was also the official feast day of Ireland’s St. Patrick. That makes Evacuation Day and Parade Day huge events around here. In fact, we believe they have become the

City of Boston’s largest and most enjoyable Holy Days or Holidays of the year (whatever you would prefer to call them) – even bigger than the days when Boston celebrates its fairly frequent Sports Championships so far this century.

The SBCA’s 2023 Evacuation Day observances began with a Mass in St. Augustine Chapel. It was offered by Fr. Joe White; the Lector was Parade Chief

Marshal Coleman Nee. The readings were from Psalm 22, “The Lord is my Shepherd …” and the Gospel of Luke, the Parable of the lost sheep. Fr. Joe’s homily was based upon a quote from Paul’s 2 Corinthians – “God’s Way is my way …” After the Mass, about 300 gathered on Dorchester Heights, at the foot of the monument’s western face. Appropriate patriotic music was played by the band from the Boston University School of Music. The crack Color Guard from the High School, trained by Lt. Col. Hinson USA and Sgt. Machado USA, presented the colors. SBCA President Tommy McGrath opened the ceremony. Superintendent Michael Creasey of the Park Service spoke of their intentions to completely refurbish the monument and to open it up