Bunker Hill Parade
June 15, 2025 | Charlestown, MA
The Bunker Hill Parade commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, the armed services, and the essence of American heritage while celebrating the historic neighborhood of Charlestown.
One of the longest-standing parades in the United States, this event serves as a bridge between commemoration and celebration, dating back to 1786.
The 250th commemoration of the Battle of Bunker Hill
Battle of Bunker Hill Parade
June 15, 2025. 12:30 PM
Sponsored by the Battle of Bunker Hill Parade Committee
Arthur L. Hurley, General Chairman
Under auspices of City of Boston
Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor
Parade Route
Calan Cahill Photography
Getting To the parade
People coming into Charlestown to attend are encouraged not to drive their personal vehicles. Information on Bluebikes, the regional bike share service, may be found on the Bluebikes website and information on the MBTA may be found on the MBTA website. Walking is also a great way to move around Boston.
Marchers can park their personal vehicles in the Schrafft’s City Center Parking Lot (529 Main Street, Charlestown) then shuttle to line up on Vine Street at 11:30 AM.
The parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. Participants will march from Vine Street to Bunker Hill Street, to Main Street, to Monument Avenue, to Monument Square, to Winthrop Street to Common Street. Streets along the route will be closed to traffic through approximately 5 p.m. Enforcement of the parking restriction will begin as early as 7 a.m.
Shuttle service will be provided at the end of the Parade from the Training Field to Schrafft’s City Center.
street closures
- Vine Street, Both sides, from Chelsea Street to Bunker Hill Street
- Bunker Hill Street, Both sides, from Vine Street to Main Street
- Main Street, Both sides, from Bunker Hill Street to Monument Avenue
- Monument Avenue, Both sides from Main Street to Warren Street
- Monument Square, See Below
- Winthrop Street, Both sides, from 49-50 Monument Square to Common Street
- Common Street, Northeast side from Winthrop Street to Park Street
- Adams Street, South side from Winthrop Street to Common
- Bunker Hill Street, Both sides, from Tufts Street to Lowney Way
- Chelsea Street, Both sides, from Fifth Street (Gate #4) to Medford Street
- Corey Street, Both sides, from Moulton Street to Samuel Morse Way
- Decatur Street, Both sides, from Vine Street to Samuel Morse Way
- Hunter Street, Both sides, from Bunker Hill Street to Vine Street
- Moulton Street, Both sides, from Bunker Hill Street to Moulton Way
- Tufts Street, Both sides, from Vine Street to O’Reilly Way
Calan Cahill Photography
Official Roster, June 16, 2024
Chief Marshal
Stephen M. Fabiano
Senior Vice Commander, J.W. Conway Bunker Hill Post 26, The American Legion
Chief Marshal’s Aides de Camp
Chris Roche, Stephen Morrissey, Robert Powers, Hank Locke
Parade Adjutant
Arthur L. Hurley
Past Commander, J. W. Conway Bunker Hill Post 26,
The American Legion
Honorary Chief Marshals
Honorable Michele Wu, Mayor of Boston
Honorable Sal DiDomenico, Member, Massachusetts Senate
Honorable Daniel Ryan, Member, Massachusetts House of Representatives
Honorable Gabriela Coletta, Boston City Council
Michael Creasey, Superintendent, Boston National Historical Park
Honorable James Collins
Honorable Dennis Kearney
Honorable Eugene O’Flaherty, Esq.
Chaplain:
Rev. Daniel Mahoney, Former Pastor St. Francis De Sales Roman Catholic Church
Assistant Chaplains
Rev. John Sheridan, Pastor St. Mary and St. Catherine of Siena And St. Francis de Sales Catholic Community
JD Mangrum, Pastor, Christ Church, Charlestown
Rev. Greg Johnston, St. John’s Episcopal Church
Parade Coordinators
Brandon Jackson, Don Haska , Maureen Gannon, Sam Morris, Michael Kelliher, JD Mangrum, Bill Durette, Dick Forrester, Dan Noonan, Kathleen Noonan, John Landrum , Tom Zion, Bill Shay
Military Support Committee
Commander B.J.Farrell, U.S. Navy
CWO-3 Daniel A. Doherty, U.S, Coast Guard
Thomas White, Paul Morceau, Patrick Langan, Samuel Morris, Arthur Hurley, John Landrum
Veterans Participation Committee
William Durette, Daniel Sheehan, Joseph Zuffante, Daniel Noonan, Richard Brennan, Steve Fabiano, Jamie McLaughlin
First Responders Committee
Robert O'Toole, Dick Forrester, Steve Fabiano
Colonial Militia Committee
Tom Coots, Paul Lane, Rick Young
Community Fund Raising Committee
Daniel "Doc" Sheehan and Roseann Sheehan, Kathleen Noonan, Kelli Forbes,
Katie Gill, Mary Gillen, Patty Kelley, Erin Woods, Sean Boyle, Aileen Gorman, Erica Walsh, Shannon Fabiano and Steven Fabiano
Honorary Staff
John P. Comer, Past National Commander, American Legion; Michael Cox, Commissioner BPD; Paul Burke, Commissioner BFD
Robert Santiago, Commissioner Boston Veteran Services
Parade Order
Chief Marshal’s Element
(Formation area: Vine Street)
Chief Marshal
Stephen M. Fabiano
2. Chief Marshall’s Band
Bunker Hill Pipe Band
3. Boston Detective Tours Trolley
Retired Boston Police Detective Joe Leeman
4. Battle of Bunker Hill Parade Committee Staff
5. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
6. Honorary Chief Marshall
Sal DiDominico, State Senator
7. Everett High School Marching Band
(Sponsored by Senator Sal DiDominico)
8. Honorary Chief Marshall
Representative Daniel Ryan
9. Honorary Chief Marshal
Boston City Councilor, Gabriela Coletta
Military Element
(Assembly Area: Navy Yard adjacent to U.S.S. Constitution
Formation area: Bunker Hill Street (between Vine Street and Lowney Way)
10. Military Staff Officer
11. North End Marching Band
(Sponsored by Representative Dan Ryan)
U.S. Army
12. U.S. Army Color Guard, Boston Recruiting Command
13. Massachusetts Army National Guard
14. U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, New England District
USMC
15. U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard
25th Marine Regiment
U.S. Navy
16. Commanders
Billie J. Farrell and Crystal Schaefer
17. US Navy Band Northeast
18. U.S. Navy Silver Dolphins Color Guard and Drill Team
U.S. Air Force
19. U.S. Air Force Color Guard and Marchers
Hanscom AFB
U.S. Coast Guard
20. U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard
Base Boston
21. Waltham American Legion
Trolley Band
22. Tile Cross Academy Solihull School
Combined Cadet Force
The United Kingdom
23. John D. Bryant School Of Mathematics And Science
JROTC
24. Italian-American Band
25. National Lancers
Veterans Element
(Formation Area: Navy Yard adjacent to U.S.S. Constitution)
26. American Legion
27. Veterans Of Foreign Wars
28. Disabled American Veterans
29. Abraham Lincoln Post 11 GAR
30. Ipads For Wounded Veterans
31. Tony Barrie Band
Boston National Historical Park
32. BNHP Ranger Color Guard
Marching Rangers
First Responders Element
Assembly Area: Chelsea Street(between Vine and Medford Sts.)
Formation Area: Right side of Vine Street (starting at Moulton Street)
33. Boston Fire Department
Honor Guard
34. Boston Police Gaelic Column (Sponsored by The Halligan Club)
35. National Park Service Police Department
36. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department
37. Cambridge Fire Department
38. Everett Fire Department
39. Somerville
Fire Department
Honor Guard
40. Somerville
Fire Department
41. Somerville Auxiliary
Fire Department
42. Stoneham
Police Department
43. Boston University
Police Department
44. Bunker Hill Community College
Police Department
45. Massachusetts General Hospital
Police Department
46. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Police Department
47. University Of Massachusetts
Police Department
48. New Hampshire Police Association Pipes & Drums
49. Charlestown Lions Club
50. MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center
Marching Delegation
51. The New Liberty Jazz Band
52. NEW Health Center
Charlestown
American Military History Element
(Formation Area: Militia on Tufts Street)
53. Middlesex County Volunteers Fife & Drum Corps
Sponsored by The Flatley Company
54. Charlestown Militia Company
Sponsored by The Cooperative Bank
55. Paul Revere Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
56. The Stow Minutemen
57. Acton Minutemen
58. William Diamond Fife & Drum Corps
59. Lincoln Minutemen
60. Concord Minutemen
61. Wilmington Company Of Minutemen
62. His Majesty's First Regiment Of Foot Guards
63. 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
64. Pepperell Historical Commission
65. Charlestown Militia Company Float
66. The Grand Republic Fife & Drum Corps
Military Reenactors
(Formation Area: Bunker Hill Street (between Lowney Way and Vine Street)
67. New England History Association
68. WWII Jeep
69. WWII Soldiers
70. Roma Band
71. 1st Infantry Division Reenactment Group
72. WW II Jeep
73. US Soldiers
74. Worcester Sound & Lights Military Band Organ
Community Division
(Formation Area: Hunter Street Decatur Street, Moulton Street, Corey Street)
75. The South Philadelphia String Band (Mummers)
(Sponsored by All Roads Lead to Charlestown)
76. Mayor Of Charlestown & Float
(Sponsored by All Roads Lead to Charlestown)
77. Flower Float
By Baby Boyle Bouquets
Floral Themed Float
78. Charlestown High School - State Basketball Champions!
(Sponsored by Old Town Trolley)
79. Boston Irish Pipes & Drums (Sponsored by The Halligan Club)
80. Charlestown Girls Softball
81. John Powers, Candidate for Clerk of Civil Courts
82. John F. Kennedy Family Service Center
83. The Town Boxing Program
84. Chapter Recovery Center
Shannon Lundin, Director
85. John Deaton
Candidate for U.S. Senate
86. Charlestown Dogs
87. Polestar Boston, Phil Jenkins
88. Turn-It-Around Charlestown
89. 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps
90. Teamsters Local 25
Float
“Remembrance of The Battle Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775”
91. Iron Workers Local 7
92. Erin Murphy, Boston City Council At-Large
93. Boston Water and Sewer Commission Truck
94. Batman
95. Carman Rondash and Family
96. McGann Marching Band
97. George Washington, Uncle Sam, Captain America
98. The Cycling Murrays
99. Giant Balloon - Uncle Sam (Sponsored by Starboard Entertainment Balloons)
100. Uncle Sam Jazz Band
101. Kaeja Saucer, Miss Massachusetts East Coast USA 2024
102. Davis System Float
103. Giant Balloon - Statue Of Liberty (Sponsored by Starboard Entertainment Balloons)
104. MA 4 Trump Campaign
105. The New Magnolia Jazz Band
106. Aleppo Shriners - Cape Cod Fire Brigade
107. Aleppo Clowns
108. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy
109. Captain Jack Sparrow, Spider Man
110. Juggler on Unicycle
111. DJ Smyly Sickwitit (Sponsored by All Roads Lead to Charlestown)
112. Giant Balloon - Sunny Starscout from My Little Pony (Sponsored by Starboard Entertainment Balloons)
113. Clowns
114. Dixieland Band
115. The Mario Players
116. Rapunzel, The Iron Man
117. Kandjanwdu rara
118. Haitian Band
119. Moana, Maui Rapunzel
120. Mickey Bones, Hot Tamale Brass Band
121. Mario and Luigi, Bluey and Bingo, Sonic the Hedgehog
122. Giant Balloon: Peppa Pig (Sponsored by Starboard Entertainment Balloons)
123. Eternals Lion Dance
124. Boston Crusaders: Drum & Bugle Corps (Sponsored in part by the Bunker Hill Associates)
125. Santa Clause On His Sleigh
parade lookback...
1786. On June 17th a large parade to celebrate the completion of the Charlestown Bridge began in Boston, stopped on the bridge to celebrate and then proceeded to Bunker’s Hill where a dinner was held. [American Recorder and Charlestown Advertiser, 6/20/1786, p. 2]
1794. Charlestown Artillery Company and the Boston Independent Fusiliers paraded from Fanueil Hall to Warren Hall in Charlestown where they weretreated to a dinner and patriotic toasts. [Independent Chronicle (Boston), 6/19/1794, p. 3]
1802. Parade of the artillery companies, recreated battle, and a dinner with toasts. [Republican Gazetteer (Boston), 6/19/1801, p. 3]
1812. Independent Boston Fusiliers, “as usual on the occasion”, marched to the top of Bunker Hill, had a dinner and then returned. [The Yankee (Boston), 6/19/1812, p.3]
1824. Three Light Infantry Companies, the Warren Phalanx, The Blues, and the Columbian Guards, with the Charlestown Artillery were under arms. They were joined by the Columbian Artillery Company of Boston. Salutes were fired morning, noon and night. The Governor and suite visited Charlestown and partook of entertainments on the consecrated heights. [Boston Evening Gazette, 6/19/1824, p. 3]
1825. 150,000 people turned out for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle. Procession formed near the State House under direction of Brig. General Lyman. Military Escort was composed of 16 companies and a corps of Cavalry. This was followed by survivors of the battle, about 40 in number. They were followed by 100-200 Revolutionary Officers and
Soldiers. They were followed by members of the BHMA and then by the Masons, of whom there were about 2,000. Next came General Lafayette and various government officials. The procession went from the State House, crossed Charlestown River Bridge, then along Main, Green and High streets to Monument Square. A ceremony was held for the laying of the cornerstone of the monument. [Columbian Centinel, 6/18/1825, p. 2]
1842. The morning was ushered by a salute of thirteen guns fired from the top of the
monument. The cannon, for this purpose, was hoisted by steam power. [Boston
Courier, 6/20/1842, p. 1]
1847. The City Council of Charlestown steps in to organize the celebration. Typical firing of guns and ringing of church bells. A procession including most of the local politicians and state officers, federal officers, Navy, State prison, BHMA, etc. (full list in article). Parade from the Square, around town and end up at Church on Warren Street (full route in article). Brigade and Cornet bands will play from 8-10 in the evening in Monument Square. [Boston Semi-weekly Advertiser, 6/16/1847, p. 2]
1850. 75th anniversary. Celebration directed by City and BHMA. At 10:30, procession was formed at City Square. Went to Bow, Washington Union, Main, Eden, then to Sullivan, High, around Monument and Winthrop squares, through Winthrop, Main and Water to the navy yard. There were 8 militia companies, followed by the dignitaries, the government of Charlestown and the directors of the BHMA, then the Governor and State Representatives, other politicians. One survivor of the Rev War was present. After him came federal officials, fire departments, fraternal organizations including the Irish Mutal Relief Societies, professors and students of Harvard and then citizens. The procession arrived at the Navy Yard and an oration was given in the Ship House. Edward Everett spoke for an hour and ten minutes. [Boston Daily Evening Transcript, 6/18/1850, p. 1]
1854. The Common Council of Charlestown made excellent arrangements for the celebration of the day. The bells were rung, flags were displayed from the monument and every conspicuous place, salutes were fired by the Charlestown Artillery, and in the evening there was music on Monument Hill. [Boston Daily Atlas, 6/19/1854, p. 2]
1855. Duly commemorated in Charlestown today by both the city authorities and citizens. The Charlestown Artillery, City Guard and the Fire Department paraded through town. In the evening was fireworks from the summit of Bunker Hill and music by the Boston Brass Band and the Charlestown Brass Band. [Boston Evening Transcript, 6/18/1855, p. 2]
1859. City officials decorated the town with banners and flags. Charlestown City Guard and Charlestown Artillery with the Boston Light Infantry paraded through the town and then had a lunch at the City Hall. Charlestown Fire Companies had their own parade that evening. [Boston post, 6/20/1859, p. 1]
1870. In addition to the usual military units, brass bands, fire companies and city officials, the parade included 1200 school children carrying flowers and flags and 160 men from the GAR Abraham Lincoln Post 11, [Boston Traveler, 6/17/1870, p. 2]
1872. The celebration was focused on the dedication of the soldiers monument in the Training Field. Procession began about 9:30 am, and included GAR contingents from all over the state. There was a large military presence, brass bands, fire companies, city officials. No mention of a floral procession. The parade halted at the Training Field for the dedication. Mayor Kent gave his speech here. [Boston Daily Evening Traveler, 6/17/1872, p. 2]
1875. On the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, reported to be the “best ever” celebration. Antiques and horribles paraded early. Large number of military units from all over the country. Very large parade from Boston to Charlestown. [Boston Daily Journal, 6/18/1875, p. 1]
See you on
Parade Day!
Make a Donation: Venmo: @bunker-hill-parade
Check: P.O. Box 290741
Charlestown, MA 02129
For any inquiries, message us at aahurley@earthlink.net
City of Boston Rules and Regs for Parade Participation can be found here.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
Thank you to The Bunker Hill Fundraising committee, and its donors for raising $30,000 throughout the year’s Fundraising activities!
$300
Allison S. Cartwright
Bunker Hill Liquors
Erin J. Murphy
John Denton Candidate for Senate
John Powers Candidate For Clerk Of Civil Courts Suffolk County
Massachusetts State GOP
$250
In Memory Of Jackie & Dottie Duffy
$200
Donna Barbieri
Friends of Charlestown Elderly
In Memory Of Claire Lynch and Jean Lynch
In Memory Of Karen and James Langan
Michael P. Quinn Scholarship Fund
$175
Joseph Hurley
$150
Ann Gildea
Michael Lynch
Ruthzee Louijeune
Sarah Gately
$115
Katie Gill
$100
Courtny Gilligan
Eileen Mahoney
Erin Maloney
In Memory Of Edward & Lorett Carpenter, Edward F. Carpenter, Rose & Chris Carbonello & Courtney Beals
In Memory of Marty and Catherin O'Brien
In Memory Of Sonny Norton
$14,000
All Roads Lead to Charlestown
$5,000
Baby Boyle Bouquets
Casella Waste Systems
The Halligan Club
$3,000
Bunker Hill Associates
$2,500
Flatley Management Company
$1,000
Car Funeral Home
Chapter Recovery
Hank Locke and Friends
Phil Jenkins (Polestar)
$500
Boston Sand & Gravel
Charlestown Mothers Association
Diversified Automotive
Gary Johnson
Ingrid Gude
Lions Club
$100
In Memory Of The Kavanagh Guys
Ingrid Gude
James Considine
James Newman
Jane Kelly
Jessica Howe
John Mahoney
Jonalyn Agri
Julia O'Donnell
Kelly Flynn
Kevin and Lynne Smith
Larry and Ann Rinaldi
Laura Carroll
Nancy Fay
Pat & Twinkle Sullivan
Paul & Mary Collins
Paul & Mary Collins
Paul Collins
Rita Devlin
Samantha DeRosa
Shirley Hamilton
Tom and Maureen Haley
Will Ellis
$80
Stephanie Faraci
$75
Catherine Renehan
In Memory Of Edward, Theresa, Anthony & Catherine Ross
The Lynch Family
Kelly Barlow
Kristen Andeson Carucci
$65
Sandra Higgins
Kathy Dots
Russell Martin
$50
Al Marcotte
Amanda Annis
Amanda Zettel
Chris & Chuck Hugo
Deborah Lyman
Denise Brown
Elaine Sheehan
Evan Brett
Everett Marcotte
Gerry O’Neil
In Memory of Catherine, Claire, Richard & Jim Rooney
In Memory of Michael Burton
Jack Glassman
Kellie Gill
Kelly Welch
Kerry Gould
Kimberly Brown
Kimberly Figenbaum
Laura Michelle Fisher
Lois Gallgher
Marilyn Brassil
Mary Helen Whelan
Maryalice Jennings
Matthew Pruitt
Megan Barrow
Nathan and Sharon Nottke
Nicholas Vuono
Noreen Buckley
Patrick Sullivan
Patty Marshall
Peter & Donna Lecam
Pippa Nava
Rene Bilezikian
Sara Doggett
Sean Boyle
Tracy Callahan
$40
Antoia Vitalo
Kelly Forbes
Laura Brennan