(Friday, April 28, 2023 – USS Constitution/USS Constitution Museum)
The USS Constitution 1812 Marine Guard teamed-up with the USS Constitution Museum, America’s Ship of State – USS Constitution, CDR BJ Farrell, and the U.S. Navy crew to give AARP’s “Wish of a Lifetime” 2023 recipient John, a dream come true.
John, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran fell in love with Old Ironsides when he was 6 years old, and with the generosity of AARP’s “Wish of a Lifetime”, he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream. John’s memorable day started by firing the ship’s saluting battery cannon for morning colors followed by a personal tour of the ship by U.S. Navy sailor HTFN Bonnie Boyd. John then spent extensive time with the 1812 Marines talking about U.S. Marine Corps history and the Marine’s contributions to the USS Constitution during the War of 1812. After receiving instructions, John fired one of the Unit’s USMC period muskets and was presented with the flint that fired his memorable shot and the Unit’s challenge coin.
After spending time with Commander BJ Farrell, John then visited the USS Constitution Museum where he viewed the Museum’s collection of Marine-related archives and attended a luncheon in his honor.
For more information about the AARP “Wish of a Lifetime”, visit https://wishofalifetime.org/.
(Photos: Mike Indi Photography)