As the family stepped up the ramp of the ship, the bustling City of Boston began to fade into the background. Loud car horns and the mingling sounds of the multitude of the city were replaced with the rhythmic lapsing of water against the bottom of the floating monument. With feet planted on the dark wooden floors, they were transported to the time of America’s emergence as a global superpower, reminded of the significance of the U.S. military in their own lives.

In a formal ceremony on May 2, US Navy Veteran Bill Downey was awarded the United States flag that, previously, had flown high atop the rigging of the USS Constitution. Born on February 9, 1936, Downey was honored three months after his 90th birthday.

After being officially recognized by sailors of the naval ship, attendees applauded as Downey saluted and was handed the flag. He beamed as other visitors joyfully sang him happy birthday.

“I’m a Navy guy through and through, forever and ever,” said Downey. “I couldn’t wait to become 17 so I could join, and many years later, I still feel like I am 17, joining the Navy.”

The USS Constitution (also known as Old Ironsides) is the US Navy’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world, built in 1797 and docked today at Pier 1 of the Charlestown Navy Yard. The ship is now open to visitors, a key location on the Freedom Trail, and manned by a crew of the Navy.

For Bill Downey and his family, visiting the USS Constitution is about more than learning history – it is a family tradition too.

“It's special because he would always be so proud to bring the grandkids over here, to take them on the tour and to show them the ship,” said Linda Downey, Bill's daughter. “If there were ever any events going on here and grandkids were in town, they were here with him.”

Born in Roslindale and raised in West Roxbury, Bill Downey enrolled in the US Navy in 1953, serving for 12 years aboard aircraft carrier USS Siboney as an engineer and plumber. During his three-day leaves while stationed in Norfolk, he would buy a car to drive and see his now-wife, Ann Downey.

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After retiring from the Navy, Bill Downey became a plumber with the Plumbers Local 12 Union. He has now lived in West Roxbury for over 65 years, raising his five daughters in the neighborhood – four of whom are now scattered across Massachusetts and one who routinely comes back to Boston.

Bill Downey has become a fixture of the community, volunteering with local veteran organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project. On his 80th birthday, he received the Key to the City of Boston and had the day dedicated to him, according to Linda Downey.

“This is a staple place,” said Linda Downey. “Even though he [obviously] wasn’t on the Constitution, this is like his pride rock.”

The gentle sway of the boat encapsulates the life Bill Downey has lived, impacting his community in every phase of his life and embodying the spirit of the Navy with every stride he takes.

“Most of the time, people receive [a flag] at a cemetery – a family member receives it at a cemetery. For him to receive a flag personally from somebody in the Navy on the Constitution is a pretty big highlight,” said Linda Downey. “Being able to serve his country was probably – besides having his family – the most important thing that he could do in his life, and he honors that and carries that with him every day.”