The ship in the photo is the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy, most recently used in Operation Noble Eagle, protecting the Eastern Seaboard right after the September 11 attacks in 2001, and then in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Persian Gulf, 2002-2004. Due to the excessive expense of maintenance, the ship was decommissioned in 2007 and moved to Philadelphia in 2008.
On this celebration of our independence, the thought of the John F. Kennedy's proud history from the 1960s through 2000s is both uplifting and heart wrenching. For the full history see Wikipedia's article.
Today, I just want to honor and express my gratitude to all those who have served or are currently serving to keep our country free.
Thank you.
