Happy Evacuation Day!

Yes, today, March 17, is an official holiday here in the Boston area, one that is taken very seriously--if not entirely soberly. (College students seem to be its most dedicated celebrants, which is commendable: it's always nice to see our nation's young scholars take an active interest in historical causes.) It commemorates the end of the colonial siege of Boston and, as of this year, the 230th anniversary of the peaceful retreat of King George's army from one of the most important ports of the New World. (They never came back.)

Sadly, however, this kind of orderly exodus is bound to be a one-time historical event. Given the current preparedness plans--namely, mayor Menino's infamously pointless evacuation signs cheerfully pointing the way to nowhere--I don't see how it's ever going to be repeated.

Oh, and: for some reason, Irish Americans in Boston get especially excited about Evacuation Day. I guess they didn't like the British any more than the rest of us, but still. I'm sure someone can explain it to me.