USS Constitution Opens Lottery for Independence Day Underway

CHARLESTOWN, MA, UNITED STATES

05.28.2021

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class GrantG Grady 

USS Constitution

BOSTON – The free lottery to win a spot aboard USS Constitution’s July 4th underway
demonstration opened today, May 28.
To enter the lottery, fill out the entry form in the following link:
https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/index.cfm?i=601470&k=0461430D7C57
The lottery is open to the general public and will be used to select 25 people to join USS
Constitution’s crew as they go underway in Boston Harbor.
Each person selected is allowed to bring one additional guest.
Passengers will engage with active-duty Sailors to gain an understanding of the Navy’s mission,
learn about USS Constitution’s history, and will have a front-row seat as the crew fires a 21-gun
salute in honor of Independence Day.
“This is going to be a great event,” said Cmdr. John Benda, USS Constitution’s 76th
commanding officer. “The lottery is an awesome way to get those Constitution fans that live
outside of Boston a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Lottery entries must be received by midnight, June 17, and are limited to one per household.
The official drawing is scheduled for June 21, and winners will be notified by email.
All winners are required to provide their own transportation and lodging accommodations.
All passengers must be at least eight years of age and be physically able to travel up and down
steep sets of stairs and stand for prolonged periods of time.
Attendees age 18 and older must bring a photo ID.
USS Constitution is open to the public for free tours Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m.
USS Constitution, is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in
the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.
The active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public
visitation as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history and maritime
heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.
USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents.
The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cannonballs
were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.

• Date Taken: 05.28.2021
• Date Posted: 06.02.2021 05:34
• Story ID: 397916
• Location: CHARLESTOWN, MA, US