Catching Charlestown Pride

Well, Charlestown.  We’ve caught your spirit.

It is hard to not get caught up by the contagious enthusiasm for Charlestown pride during Bunker Hill week.  From the Touch a Truck event, the Chamber Open Markets, the Boys and Girls Club Road Race, the Bunker Hill Associates breakfast, all topped off with the Bunker Hill Day Parade, you brought a dizzying schedule, with a commitment and vigor to make the community really come alive.

For some of our Spaulding community, this was their first introduction to Charlestown.  Sure, we’ve visited our construction site, maybe picked up coffee at Zume’s or had dinner at the Navy Yard Bistro.  But that’s different than getting to really know you.  And really, Bunker Hill Day in so many ways is Charlestown.

Walking in the parade this year, with the streets lined with “townie pride” and red, white and blue decorations, we are reminded of the rich history in Charlestown.  The story of the Battle of Bunker Hill jumps out from the musty history books and becomes alive Quite literally!  No one warned me about the Revolutionary War era costumes, drums and muskets!

But Charlestown isn’t just about the past.  It is about the future, too.  I was moved by the outpouring of support from the crowd.  (And no, I don’t think it was only because we were passing out candy!)  We would suddenly hear the recognition from the sideline – “Hey! It’s Spaulding!” – and then that particular group of spectators would cheer as we passed by.  Others ran up to thank us for coming to Charlestown, offering quick stories of family or friends who had received care with us in the past.  One of my colleagues said on Monday: "We were blown away by the appreciation we felt. It was so special to hear the crowd say ‘we love all the Spaulding staff’… It made us all feel so privileged to be working for a great organization and joining a tremendous community."

It was heartwarming for us to see first hand that Charlestown is welcoming us with open arms.  That you are ready – and yes, proud – for Spaulding to be joining the community of Charlestown. 

Charlestown, you make us all proud.  And we can’t wait to join you and celebrate Bunker Hill Days for years to come.