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(NECN: Tom Langford, Boston, Mass.) - The USS Constitution took its yearly "turn-around cruise" over the holiday weekend, with Navy Week festivities taking place across the city of Boston.

For members of the military passing through a strange city on the Fourth of July, a barbeque at Coast Guard station Boston is a taste of home.

"It's nice, you know. They put on all this great stuff for us," Coast Guard seaman Adam Haworth said.

Haworth is from Virginia. If he were home, he would be with his family on this holiday. Instead, he was enjoying a party put on by the USO.

"We just come together to give people a touch of home. A place to come. A lot of people are away from their families, away from a place that they call home and feel displaced," Jean Mallon said.

The events part of Navy Week in Boston offer a chance to thank those who serve as we celebrate America's birthday.

"It's great to celebrate the country and its great to celebrate those who do so much for the country, who are devoted in service every day, their families are very devoted and its amazing what people give up to serve this country," Mallon said.

Even if one is not in the military, one can still take part in Navy Week. Free events are open to the public all over the city of Boston, including those at the USS Constitution.

Public events Sunday include a concert at Faneuil Hall, a flight simulator at City Hall Plaza and a parade at the Charlestown Navy

Haworth said, all this makes you proud to be an American.

"Very few holidays come around where you get to be proud of what you do and the community -- especially in Boston -- the community is wonderful," Haworth said. "Everyone's so warm and welcoming and thankful for what we do."

NECN's Tom Langford reports.