Posted on 03/11/2010 3:49:56 PM PST by Reaganesque
Adding a new chapter to its storied history of vanquished British seamen and Barbary pirates, Old Ironsides has emerged victorious once again - this time vs. snooty neighbors seeking to silence the frigate’s cannons.
The 204-foot USS Constitution will continue its twice-daily blasts along with playing the national anthem - although officials turned the ship around in Boston Harbor on Feb. 18 so the echoing booms are directed away from Charlestown residences.
“We sent (the neighbors) a letter saying that after reviewing their request, we decided we’re not going to make any changes to the tradition,” said Timothy Cooper, the ship’s commanding officer.
The Herald reported in November that unidentified neighbors had asked Cooper to reduce the size of the gunpowder charge, turn down the national anthem and eliminate weekend ceremonies altogether.
The neighbors invited Cooper over for a glass of wine to hear the noise himself, saying the cannon blasts - a tradition dating to 1798 - were “much more disruptive to the neighborhood than (he) might have imagined.”
Cooper didn’t take them up on their invite. “I appreciate the spirit in which it was offered, but I think it was best to communicate through official correspondence rather than a sit down,” Cooper told the Herald yesterday.
But he tried using a smaller amount of gunpowder to lessen the cannon noise, only to conclude the ceremony just wasn’t the same.
In the wake of the kerfuffle, local residents and politicians as well as out-of-towners have rallied round the nation’s oldest commissioned naval vessel with calls, letters and e-mails of support.
Said Cooper: “It sparked a lot of goodwill for the ship and our traditions.”
Don’t confuse liberals with common sense.
That’s Boston for you.
They’re the same kind of people that move next to an airport or a dog kennel. Then complain endlessly.
Similar thing happened in San Diego County when they built houses near Miramar Naval Air Station. People moved in, then complained about the jet noise. Navy spent millions building “hush houses” for engine run-ups, etc. Ridiculous. I used to tell people the dound of those F-14s screaming by was the sound of freedom, so STHU.
I'd like to see them identified. Seems that the Boston Herald hasn't been doing it's job.
Old Ironsides is very important to most Bostonians. These are just a handfull of whiners. The whiners didn’t get their way when the rest of the community told them to stick it.
Lol. Love it! A TRUE patriot!
Just send them a polite letter telling them to STFU or we’ll turn the cannons back around and start using cannon balls again.
Next time, put a cannonball in the with gunpowder, and see how they like it then!
lol.
I visited the USS Constitution about 1992. It was a humbling experience to ponder the history and brave men who trod the same decks.
The same kind of idiot that moves in next to an Air Force base and complains about the noise of jet engines would be my guess.
That’s Massholes for you.
Seems to me the solution is to turn the ship back around and load with canister. And REALLY give them something to complain about.
If the whiners are able to present someone who was there before the tradition started they should be rewarded with the silence they demand.
Anyone? Hello?!?
I guess they were rendered deaf from all the cannonfire. :)
My sister lives within about 1/2 mile of one of the runaways of an Air Force base...a base where lots of maintenance/repairs on C-5A's are done.Because I visit her often I can assure you that those things are *loud*...as are the fighters that sometimes can be seen (and heard) overhead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiRbJRNKyv8&feature=related
HMS Victory fires rolling broadside
I would love to see/hear this
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