Friday, June 27, 2025
Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes. . .
Honoring the Spirit of 1775 in Gloucester
“Dearest Friend, The Day; perhaps the decisive Day is come on which the fate of America depends…” - Abigail Adams in a letter to her husband John Adams
This past weekend, it was a privilege to join nearly 20,000 people at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill — a defining moment in our nation’s fight for independence.
As one of more than 1,000 reenactors from over 100 historical groups, I was honored to help bring history to life on the very shores of our great city.
From the British naval landing — where Gloucester schooners stood in for warships — to the flanking and main attacks on the redoubt, the weekend was a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who stood for liberty in 1775.
I want to extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who made this remarkable event possible:
➡️ Revolution 250
➡️ Essex National Heritage Commission
➡️ Maritime Gloucester
➡️ Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
➡️ Discover Gloucester
➡️ 2nd Massachusetts Regiment
➡️ Lexington Minute Men
➡️ 10th Massachusetts Regiment
➡️ 1st Regiment of Foot Guards
➡️ City of Gloucester
➡️ Gloucester Police Department
➡️ Gloucester Fire Department
➡️ Gloucester Department of Public Works
➡️ JGPR
And a special thank you to my brother Ringo Tarr and niece Emily, who handled behind the scenes logistics ensuring this commemorative experience was able to happen creating a
meaningful celebration of our shared history possible for all to enjoy.
It was truly humbling to be part of one of the largest historical reenactments in New England’s history, and even more humbling to portray my relative Jabez Tarr, who fought in the actual battle 250 years ago.
Thank you to everyone who made this special event come to life - helping to preserve and continue to tell the story of the American Revolution for generations to come.
