History’s Gift: Freedom on the Heights

distribution of America’s Declaration of Independence on Thursday, the Fourth of July in 1776. Two hundred and fortyseven (247) years ago, the word “Independence” really meant “Freedom”. Freedom to pursue our own futures. Freedom to us all.

Welcome to Father Peter!

The Fourth of July is approaching. It’s officially entitled Independence Day, of course, because it commemorates the completion, signing, and

Also, just over 247 years ago, the British evacuated the City of Boston – on Sunday, March 17, 1776. In South Boston, we observe this date as “St. Patrick’s Day” with its Parade and many celebrations, and “Evacuation Day” when the British military finally left Boston for good (cannonading Castle Island on their way out!). The British Evacuation resulted from the placement of 59 cannons on Dorchester Heights, which had been secretly brought here from Fort Ticonderoga in upstate

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South Boston Catholic Academy welcomed Fr. Peter Schirripa, as the new Parochial Vicar. Fr. Schirripa was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross by His Eminence, Sean Cardinal O’Malley, OFM,

Cap. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Mary’s in Dedham on May 21st. Fr. Schirripa grew up in Lexington, MA with his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. He studied History and Education at St. Anselm

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New York by Henry Knox and his colonial soldiers. It was General George Washington’s first victory. Boston has never been invaded or occupied since then. We’ve been free!

At 100 feet above sea level, Dorchester Heights has always been the highest spot around. Add in the 115-foot tall Dorchester Heights Monument now being renovated, and there’ll soon be a superb view as well. May we suggest that sometime between now and the Fourth, you and your family and your friends take a walk up to Dorchester Heights? When you get there, think about your freedoms. Talk about them, too. Make your walk to the Heights an enjoyable local trip, because you are free to go there. It’ll also be a great place to view the fireworks on the night of the Fourth next Wednesday.

Please make a resolution while you are visiting the Heights. Beginning later this year of 2023, and going on for another 12 full months, elections all across the U.S.A. will take place – city, state, and national. Resolve to become a registered voter and to vote in every election where you qualify, in both primaries and the general elections. You are free to vote as you wish, so please do so. We don’t have to tell you how extremely important your vote has become in recent years.

While you are contemplating your freedoms on the Heights, think about some of the other nations on Earth – for example, Russia, China, and several countries in Africa and South America. What do you think of them? South Boston Online believes their citizens have no real freedoms, which makes these nations total failures. Then think of Ukraine, Taiwan, and India – the largest nation in the World. No matter what else, these three nations are free, their citizens can vote, and they are willing to fight to keep their freedoms alive and well. They are good examples for the rest of us.

Which brings us back to freedoms here in America, especially with a major Election Year approaching. There’s little doubt that many citizens are angry. We are sick of inflation, ongoing violence,