George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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 222 Cannes. France

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GW celebrates fourth birthday in grand fashion July 4, the nationally-recognized anniversary of our nation’s declared independence, also happens to be the anniversary of George Washington's commissioning. Although the men and women of GW didn’t have the chance to celebrate America’s 220th birthday with their fellow countrymen in the U.S.. they were able to honor both their nation and their ship with the French when the “Spirit of Freedom’s” crew members were invited to a number of events celebrating the Fourth of July. The night of celebration was capped off by a fireworks display from the shores of Cannes. France. The display could be viewed from the ship. George Washington also hosted a Sunset Parade, during which they fired a 13-gun salute -- one for each colony -from the port side saluting battery. Part of the ceremony included a display of patriotism as 31 Sailors re-affirmed their commitment to naval service in a re-enlistment ceremony on the ship’s flight deck. The U.S. Ambassador to France. Ms. Pamela Harriman. performed the re-enlistment. Cannes. France 221

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Cannes. France 223