Rich attack USS Constitution
November 9, 2009 – 4:52 PM | by Michael P. Johnson
Some arrogant rich people find it too noisy living next door the USS Constitution. The nerve of some people just burns me up!
According to the Boston Herald, some residents have complained that the twice daily cannon salutes and the playing of the national anthem are disruptive to their lives. You can read the Boston Herald story here, and here.
Since 1975 the USS Constitution has fired a gun salute at 8AM and played the National Anthem over loud speakers while they raise the national flag and then fire a second salute at sunset when they lower the colors. This is not new and is very predictable. That someone now finds it, “more disruptive to the neighborhood than you might have imagined” is offensive to me!
How galling can these people be? This so rubs me the wrong way.
First, very few of us will ever be rich enough to afford to own one of the condos surrounding the Charlestown Navy Yard. A beautiful community with a long rich history supporting the United States Navy back to times before there was a United States Navy. The noise was present before they moved in. Why they can’t be happy with the privileges they have and find a need to change something the rest of us love? Do they have no humility at all?
Second, I have the honor of knowing a wide range of people who would love to be awakened each day by a gun salute from the USS Constitution. As someone who has spent many years participating in Civil War reenactments and other living history events, I do appreciate that a cannon makes a great deal of noise. I also know that it does not take long to become comfortable with the noise, especially when you can set your clock to it. If you know it’s coming, it’s easy to accept as common place! And come on, really? How can you not love the sound of a big explosion and a solid thump on your chest to remind you that you are alive?
Lastly, it’s the USS Constitution these people are complaining about! How can anyone have the nerve to question a storied history like the USS Constitution? One of the first capital ships built purposefully to defend and protect the shores of the Untied States and allow for the free flow of commerce on the high seas. She and her sister-ships stood up against the greatest naval power ever to exist, the British Royal Navy at it’s height of power and influence. The combined fleets of the French and Spanish fleets dared not go to sea against the British Navy. The commanders who sailed the Constitution took no guff from anyone, especially arrogance.
These neighbors should continue enjoying their nice safe peaceful democratic way of life. And let the crew of the USS Constitution salute their heritage whenever and however they like!
Tags: Boston, Charlestown, History, MA, naval, navy, USS Constitution
4 Responses to “Rich attack USS Constitution”
By Maggie on Nov 12, 2009 | Reply
If you want to show support for USS Constitution, her officers & Sailors – go sign this petition
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/USSConstitution/index.html
By Miss Rose on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Where do I begin? Actually, Michael, I can’t add to what you have so eloquently written.
I would like to share that what some people do not realize is that on every base across the world, as well as each ship and submarine, each morning do “colors”. Granted, not always to cannons, but the National Anthem is played and if there are any visiting country ships, their Anthem is played as well. If you are outside, you stop and stand at attention until ALL of them are completed. If you are drving on base, you stop where you are. Most get out of their cars and salute as well. This is not optional, however, it is also not considered a burden for any of us who have served or supported those who do. In the evening the colors are retired to ‘Taps’.
These things, just as with the USS Constitution and her firing of her cannons is tradition, not just a hokey show. A show of respect and honor for those who are and have served to maintain the freedoms we hold so dear… sadly, those freedoms include those who would misuse them for their own selfishness.
These people need to realize without the USS Constitution and all she represents, they would not have the right to whine about the noise.
For those who serve and those Still on Patrol…Fair Winds and Following Seas.. and long may the USS Constitution carry on the tradition!
By Michael P. Johnson on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the reminder on morning colors and evening retreat, Miss Rose.
By Roger D'Errico on Dec 3, 2009 | Reply
Times in our history must never be forgotten and the firing of the USS Constitution canons is one of those special times.