POST-GAZETTE - Res Publica

Bunker Hill Day 2005

by David Trumbull

June 17, 2005

Today, June 17, is one of our infamous "hack holidays," to borrow a phrase from my favorite local radio personality, Howie Carr. Bunker Hill Day--in honor of the defenders of liberty at that eponymous battle on June 17, 1775--is also a paid holiday for state and local government workers, but not for me, and probably not for you either, gentle reader.

And why is it that so few of us in the Dreaded Private Sector get the third Monday in April off in memory of the Patriots of 1776? Personally, as an employee of the textile industry, I think I shall lobby to get December 20--Samuel Slater Day--as a paid holiday. Nevertheless, I am sure that we all appreciate our public employees. But just to be certain we do, the first Wednesday in June is set aside (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Section 15TT) as Public Employees Appreciation Day. I should have thought that payday was appreciation enough. In case you think a day is not enough, MGL Chap. 6, Sec. 12CC designates the first week of August as Public Employees Week. Hey, one week of work out of fifty-two is not a lot to expect, even from an MBTA "worker."

Well, it is summer, and we're all taking off at least a few days to go to the Cape, the beach, or away. And if you are stuck in town at work during the week, you can at least get out in the evenings and have some fun. Summer, with its combination of relaxed attitudes and skimpy summer clothes is just the time to make new friends. The Massachusetts Federation of Young Republicans, a group of young professionals between the ages of 18 and 40, who belong to a nationwide network of like-minded individuals, is tapping into this summer spirit with fun events planned this month.

The South Shore Young Republicans will have an event Tuesday, June 21, beginning at 6:30 at The Grill on the Pond in Weymouth (920 Washington St., Rt 53). The guest speaker will be State Senator Robert Hedlund. D. Anthony Sullivan, Republican comedian, will also be performing some partisan comedy that evening. For more information contact Karen at ssyrclub@hotmail.com.

The Greater Boston Young Republicans plans a fun event at The Place, 2 Broad Street in Boston (near Faneuil Hall) on Thursday, June 23 starting at 6:30PM. State Senator Scott Brown will be the guest speaker. D. Anthony Sullivan, Republican comedian, will also be performing some partisan comedy that evening. For more information contact Meredith at webmaster@bostonyr.com.

 

David Trumbull is the chairman of the Boston Ward Three Republican Committee; he may be contacted at (617) 742-6881 or chairman@ward3boston.org. Boston's Ward Three includes the North End, West End, part of Beacon Hill, downtown, waterfront, Chinatown, and part of the South End.

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