Resuming more or less where we left off on the Freedom Trail, one of the first things we find is the New England Holocaust Memorial. We have no idea it is here, but take time to stop and remember. The 6 glass towers are imposing, and stand for the 6 main death camps. Six million numbers are etched into the glass symbolising the tattoos of the Nazi bureaucracy. Each tower stands 54 feet high.
As we continue our walk, the aroma of Italian food is unmistakable. I'm guessing we must be in "Little Italy." Here are a few pictures of what we see.
Walking by the Old North Church (Episcopal) we find this memorial dedicated to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. We don't go inside as it is quite crowded and we want to get to the USS Constitution which is still quite a walk away.
Finally, we walk across the bridge and over to the home of the USS Constitution, AKA "
Old Ironsides." After going through much security, we get to wait. Here you see a young women seaman who gives us a little history prior to boarding. Once aboard, several young seaman (mostly women) give us the history of the ship and explain that although the ship is made entirely of 3 layers of oak, the live oak, in the middle, gave it the strength which ultimately led to the nickname of
Old Ironsides. 50 - 80 active duty U.S. Navy Sailors are members of her crew today. Launched October 21, 1797, she remains the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world!
It is interesting to note that the USS Constitution is still served and sailed by the U.S. Navy. Next, we're off to Bunker Hill.
Driving from New Hampshire into the Boston area on the thruways, the Bunker Hill monument is the one thing I recognized as we drove through Boston out to Cape Cod. It is a thrill to finally see it on foot and enjoy the park.
The 221 foot obelisk commemorates the Revolution's first major battle of colonial unity against British forces. It was dedicated in 1843. Regrettably the monument was closed as was the museum across the street by the time we arrive. This marks the end of the Freedom Trail, but we enjoy our walk back to the pier adjacent to the USS Constitution and the ferry ride back into the city. The pictures are mostly taken abroad the ferry as the sun is setting. It's been a long day!
Finally, we come into dock after a brief sail. It is a great way to enjoy the sunset and the skyline of Boston.
For further information:
New England Holocaust Memorial;
USS Constitution;
Boston National Historical Park
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