It has been said frequently in the past – for more than a century, in fact:  South Boston is a truly special place.

     Recently, South Boston Online printed an editorial entitled “It’s a Good Mix” (our July 27 issue), which tried to make a similar point.  But it’s worth repeating.  For whatever reason, South Boston has a unique identity that is known across the nation and in many other parts of the world. 

     Some of this is due to South Boston’s geography.  We are surrounded on three sides by ocean.  Half of this coastline consists of some of the best urban beaches in the country; the other half is the site of a magnificent urban waterfront.  We have heights formed by glacial drumlins and level, filled land (great walking/running/biking/skating). And we are part of a major city known for institutions ranging from the Boston Red Sox to the Boston Symphony Orchestra to Boston City Hall.  We have the best of several worlds.

     Part of our identity is due to the close-knit nature of South Boston.  According to the 2000 Census, we number just under 30,000 residents.  In Massachusetts, that’s the borderline between a large town and a small city.  Take a short walk or drive – you’ll always meet somebody you can wave to or greet with “What’s up?”  When we refer to the “ol’ hometown”, we mean it. 

     More significantly, South Boston is an action-taking, event-oriented, step-up-to-the-plate neighborhood.  The term “Southie time” means that something actually happens. 

     These happenings are often traditional, frequently new.  Scan the following list, all of which occurred just within the last five weeks:  the “L” Street Beach Party (new this year), the Ollie Road Race (originated in 1941), the Street Festival (seven years old), the Kelly/Tynan Appreciation Night (a one-time event for two lifetimes of service), the Simon of Cyrene Breakfast (founded in 1980), the Medicine Wheel Youth Project (nine years old), West Broadway Unity Day (three years old), the Castle Island activities (since the late 70s), Italian Pride Night, numerous youth sports contests, and the Fourth Annual “Breakfast of Champion” Awards.  What did we miss?  And aren’t you impressed?

     Last weekend marked the 25th Anniversary of our own Vietnam Memorial, the first in the nation.  It was a three-day event that capped the 24 prior observances.  No, we haven’t forgotten.

     Think of the two major “Southie times” – the New Year’s Day swim by the L Street Brownies and wannabe Brownies, and the St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade.  Both are more than a century old; both are famous nationwide, and perhaps worldwide.

     Most of all, the neighborhood we refer to as “South Boston” (or as “Southie”, but never as “SoBo”), sometimes with irritation but mostly with affection, is a product of its people.  Every event mentioned depends on volunteers, thousands of them.  They are the residents of South Boston who labor unceasingly to improve the lives of those around them.  “Doc” Tynan and Jimmy Kelly are prominent examples, but they themselves would be the first to tell you there are countless others who perform good works with little or no recognition.

     The best part of all is that all of these “times” are truly enjoyable – times of laughter, friendship, and marvelous memories.  If you have just come to South Boston, join us in one or more of our activities.  You’ll never regret it.  Southie is now your hometown, too.

     What a great place!