The USS Constitution sails during a naval commemoration event in Charlestown.
The USS Constitution will embark on an important underway from the Charlestown Navy Yard to commemorate D-Day and the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday on June 6. The ship will conduct ceremonial gun salutes and be viewable from various local locations, allowing the community to partake in this historical event. Visitors can access the ship later in the day to honor its legacy and the rich maritime history it represents.
Charlestown, Massachusetts – On Friday, June 6, the USS Constitution will embark on a significant underway from the Charlestown Navy Yard at 10:00 a.m. This event commemorates the Allied D-Day invasion of Europe during World War II while also honoring the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday. The ship will be closed to the public during the morning hours but will reopen for visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. upon returning to port.
As part of the underway, the USS Constitution will conduct a 21-gun salute off Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 11:30 a.m. This ceremonial action pays tribute to the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion. Additionally, as the historic ship passes the U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston, it will fire an 17-gun salute. This location signifies the former site of Edmund Hartt’s shipyard, where the USS Constitution was launched on October 21, 1797.
The underway event will be viewable from several prominent locations, including Boston Harborwalk, Castle Island, and the Charlestown Navy Yard, allowing the community to participate in this momentous occasion by witnessing the tradition and history associated with the USS Constitution.
The USS Constitution is accessible for free public visitation Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors aged 18 and older are required to present valid state or federal photo identification or a passport to board the ship. As the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat, the USS Constitution represents a vital chapter in American maritime history, having played significant roles in conflicts such as the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812.
The USS Constitution, nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” is renowned not only for its longevity but also for its historical importance. Constructed in the late 18th century, the ship was launched at a time when national security depended heavily on naval strength. It served to safeguard American sea lanes from 1797 until 1855, making it a significant cultural and historical asset to the nation.
This year marks a special dual celebration as the Marine Corps commemorates 250 years of service. The Marine Corps has had a longstanding tradition of valiant service, and this historic event on the USS Constitution will serve to bridge the past and present, honoring those who have served and those who continue to protect the nation.
The D-Day invasion, which occurred on June 6, 1944, was a pivotal moment in World War II, marking the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. While the USS Constitution is not directly tied to this event, it serves as a reminder of the historical sacrifices made by military personnel throughout American history. Events like this underway connect the legacy of the ship with the ongoing honor of service members today.
As the USS Constitution sets sail, it will not just be celebrating an important anniversary but will also embody the spirit and resilience of the Marine Corps and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Communities around Charlestown and beyond are encouraged to come together, witness the naval history in action, and honor the sacrifices that have shaped the nation.
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