July 4, 2013

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On July 3, 2013 we checked into the Marriott Hotel in Charlestown/Boston MA

for a two night stay.

This was the view from our Hotel window.

The USS CONSTITUTION  a short walk away.
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 On April 5th

I was notified that I had won a lottery

for me and one friend to board the

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USS CONSTITUTION

on July 4th for it's annual 'Turnaround' cruise.

 

 



All aboard !

Several of the cannon used to fend off the enemy

Our Captain

Any "active duty - in uniform" service person were invited to 'climb aloft' for a spectacular view of Boston Harbor, and the experience of a lifetime!

Boston fire boats lead the way

 

... a lot of ropes.

This is a photo of the 'gates' that guard
 the CONSTITUTION when at the pier.

more 'ropes'

'ropes' = LINES on a ship !

These are the cannons that fired a 21 gun salute.

BOOM !

The captain's quarters.

The Commanding Officer's quarters
(aka... room with a view)

Preparing the cannons for the 21 gun salute.

There are 4 sailors aloft - can you see em' ?

 

Sailors 'at ease' wearing traditional uniforms.



There were several 'active duty' as well as 'retired' service
men and women on board as distinguished guests of the captain.

Boston Coast Guard station -
Custom house in the background skyline.

... that's a lot of 'lines'

 

Security all around for the big day.

 



Plotting the course.

The temperature that day was 92 degrees with only a slight breeze.

In other words HOT - HOT -  HOT   

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The ship left port at 11am and returned at 2pm.

A long HOT exciting day to remember.