SAUGUS — Saugus residents welcomed Billie Farrell, the first woman to command the 224-year-old USS Constitution, at the town’s Memorial Day ceremony and parade on Saturday.
“It’s such an honor to come out and represent outside the Boston area and honor the locals,” said Farrell.
Farrell, a Navy commander, is one of 26 women who are ship commanders right now. She assumed command on Jan. 21, overseeing about 80 sailors.
“I have two kids – a boy, 7, and girl, 3,” said Farrell. “It hasn’t been easy being a mom in this part of my career, but the hard work and dedication has put me where I am today.”
Ironically, while in high school, Farrell posed for a photo next to the USS Constitution. She had been visiting Boston from her hometown of Paducah, Kentucky. She never imagined that 24 years later, she’d be part of Old Ironside’s history.
Dressed in her all-white Navy uniform, Farrell shook hands with the people of Saugus along the route. The parade began at Anna Parker Playground and proceeded through Cliftondale to Central Street to Winter Street, and ended at Riverside Cemetary.
Janette Rose Gutsheall, whose husband was a Vietnam veteran, was thrilled to meet Farrell.
“This is a big deal; it’s history,” said Gutsheall.
Bagpipes closed out the ceremony after the Honor Guard fired four shots. As the first Memorial Day event since the pandemic, it was nothing less than a success – the best way to gather again in memory of the fallen.
