In a blast from the past, Stephen McMahon and his son took a once-in-lifetime cruise aboard the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world earlier this month. It was commissioned in 1794 by President George Washington.
We sailed around Boston harbor as a band played Yankee Doodle and sailors went about their duties dressed in 1812 uniforms, Dr. McMahon said. It was a surreal, unforgettable experience that my son and I will always remember.
Dr. McMahon is a staff member at Presbyterian Hospital of Kaufman.
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| USS Constitution |
Most of the year, the Constitution is safely berthed in Boston where its open for tours. Once or twice a year, it embarks for a tour of Boston Harbor.
Dr. McMahon learned of the event at ussconstitution.navy.mil and entered a lottery for a place on the cruise. He learned in April that he and his son had been selected.
The ship was taken out of its berth on June 9 in honor of Military Appreciation Day. Passengers boarded the ship to the sound of drums and fifes. Upon reaching Castle Island -- the old fortress guarding Boston Harbor the tall ship fired cannons in salute.
Dr. McMahon brought home one of the U.S. flags flown onboard ship during the cruise. He plans to give the flag to his father, who served in the Navy.
The ship itself is beautiful, Dr. McMahon said. I am proud that the United States has preserved this part of its heritage.
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