The Military History Harbor Cruise returns November 9 for U.S. military veterans and their families.
Boston Harbor Now, the nonprofit partner of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, has announced it will partner with the Arbella Insurance Foundation for the seventh consecutive year to sponsor this special cruise that honors veterans and active military. The cruise will also highlight the unique military history of the Boston Harbor Islands.
The cruise boat will depart from Long Wharf North on Boston’s Downtown Waterfront on November 9th at 11:00 a.m. An additional boarding will also be available from Charlestown Navy Yard earlier that morning at 10:30 a.m.
The visit to Georges Island will include ranger-led tours of Fort Warren, Junior Ranger activities and a commemorative wreath-laying. Thanks to generous support from the Arbella Insurance Foundation and Boston Harbor Cruises, the cruise is free to veterans, active military members from any branch of the U.S. military, and up to three guests. Members of the general public are invited to attend the cruise for a $10.00 fee.
The four-hour excursion will take passengers on a guided military history tour of the harbor and will stop at Georges Island. Upon arrival to the islands, a program about the military history of the Boston Harbor from the American Revolution up to the present day will be presented by Park Rangers. Attendees will also be able to explore the island and discover additional Boston Harbor history through a variety of family-friendly activities that will include fort tours, a Civil War presentation with period costumes, and a Junior Ranger program.
“The liberties that we experience each day are thanks to our brave military personnel, both at home and abroad,” said Kathy Abbott, President and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “We are grateful for those who serve and we are honored to partner with the Arbella Insurance Foundation to provide the Veterans Cruise. This cruise is so special, in that we are able to provide our servicemen and women an opportunity to spend time together with their family on this trip to the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.”
“On behalf of Arbella, we thank all of the servicemembers who have selflessly served our country. It is our privilege to be able to support Boston Harbor Now’s Military History Harbor Cruise to honor our veterans and active military.” – John Donohue, chairman, president and CEO of the Arbella Insurance Group and chairman and president of the Arbella Insurance Foundation.
“Contained within our state parklands are numerous military sites, like Fort Warren at Georges Island, that serve as places to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many during the course of our nation’s history,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Acting Commissioner, Jim Montgomery. “The Veterans Cruise is an important tradition of remembrance and an opportunity to thank those who have served, and the DCR is thrilled to continue to support this event.”
“The 34 Islands illustrate the human and natural forces that shaped both the Islands and history. Today, the Islands are a place to reflect on that story and the meaning of freedom for all people. We welcome the men and women of our military and their families to experience the beauty and history of the Boston Harbor Islands.” – Michael Creasey, Superintendent of the National Parks of Boston
Rangers from both DCR and the National Park Service will lead educational sessions throughout the day and be available to attendees interested in learning more about the military history of the Boston Harbor Islands.
Advance tickets are strongly recommended and can be reserved by visiting bostonharborislands.org/event/veterans-day-cruise/.
