Happy 4th of July!!

Today I went to Castle Island to photograph the U.S.S. Constitution as it performed its annual turn around. The Constitution was accompanied by six tall ships, two fire boats, numerous police and Coast Guard boats, tugboats and fly overs by the famous Blue Angels! This event was a dream come true for me. I have wanted to photograph this event since 2000, when I attended my first tall ship event in Boston.

 I am fascinated by American History and the Constitution has excited my imagination since I was a little boy. To see the Constitution firing its canon and flying its colors, while being saluted by the Coast Guard Eagle was absolutely amazing.

Then the Blue Angels flew off the runway from Logan airport at what seemed like Mach 10! They flew directly over the top of the Constitution and Fort Independence. A fellow photographer commented that they must have flown to Connecticut, because it took them about twenty minutes to return. In the meantime, the Constitution was treated to flyovers by Air Force jets, Navy helicopters, and Marine and Navy aircraft including what I think was a small AWACS jet. The Blue Angels then performed three flyovers to the delight of the crowd at Fort Independence.

Even veteran news photographers for local tv stations were excited about the flyovers. One was jumping up and down in delight after getting the shot of the first fly over. Another commented "It never gets old, does it?" This was a truly exciting day that certainly stirred my patriotism. The crowd cheered wildly at each flyover and canon blast. Patriotic marches played during the ceremony and music from Top Gun was blasted each time the Blue Angels appeared. It was uplifting to be a witness to this celebration of America!

This photo is a blend of two photos. The photograph of the Blue Angels was taken today. The flag was photographed on Patriots Day 2008 in Lexington. I will soon post more images of today's event and of my recent sail aboard the Pride of Baltimore II as it "battled" the Lynx in Boston Harbor. Happy Fourth of July!!