Truly, t's the best ticket in town. We sat at a little table on the auditorium floor, had a beer and listened as one of the most famous orchestras in the world oozed beauty. They played western movie themes, love songs and show tunes; they backed the Governor of Massachusetts as he narrated excerpts from John Kennedy's most important speeches, and singer Steve Lippia did great stuff from the American songbook, calling up images of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Just marvelous. When can I go again, Mr. Lockhart? Just name the day.
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Earlier, we paid our respects to another American institution, The Constitution, "Old Ironsides."
Today, she's berthed at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard at a spot operated by the National Park Service. The US Navy tends her and takes you on the tours. And she is something to see.
You know the story: launched in 1797 as one of six new ships of the fledgling US Navy, she went to sea and never lost a battle. At George Washington's urging to Congress, she and her sisters were commissioned to protect American shipping against the Barbary Pirates. Later, in a battle during the war of 1812, she defeated the British frigate, HMS Guerriere, earning her famous nickname when cannonballs simply bounced off her sides. The ship's hull is a three layer sandwich of white oak, live oak and white oak which, at some points is 24 inches thick. "Old Ironsides."
So, she's 216 years old, making her the oldest ship in the US Navy afloat.
Wow.
Here's a brief photo tour:
Broadside. 52 guns on two decks: 30 guns below, 20 above plus two bow chasers.
Formidable.
Long gun. Weight, 5,600 pounds, range 1200 yards. Took 6 to 14 men to work it.
Main deck Carronades. Range, 400 yards; weight, 2,200 pounds. Crew of 4 to 9.
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