New bill seeks to kill Evacuation, Bunker Hill days

By Globe Staff

Critics of Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day have filed new legislation today in the state Senate in another attempt to eliminate the Suffolk County-only holidays.

The bill, filed by Republican Senator Richard R. Tisei from Wakefield, comes after similar measures narrowly failed in both houses of the Legislature.

The House killed the effort with a tie vote of 78-78. The Senate shot down a similar budget amendment 17-22.

Thirty-four lawmakers have sponsored the new legislation, including 10 senators (5 Republicans and 5 Democrats) and 24 representatives (16 Republicans and 8 Democrats).

Bunker Hill Day on June 17 celebrates the battle in Charlestown in 1775 that almost crippled the British Army. Evacuation Day, which coincides with St. Patrick's Day on March 17, commemorates when the Continental Army hauled 50 cannons up Dorchester Heights in 1776 and forced the British out Boston.