"He was over in Africa and then he went to Florida and now he's home and we're just so happy because tomorrow is his birthday so it's great," said Denise Kayser.
While the Kaysers celebrate Edward's birthday, the rest of the NAVY sailors on the ship will spend the week celebrating this country's birthday in the city in which it was born. Edward Kayser said he's been telling his crewmates how great the city is and that they're here at one of the best times to visit.
For many of the sailors, it is their first time in Philadelphia. While they take tours of Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center, public tours of the 8 thousand ton stealth destroyer will start Tuesday as a part of Penn Landing's Fourth of July events.
Visitors will see most of the ship's state-of-the-art equipment like its weapons systems and missile launchers. Tuesday, the crew will take part in Welcome America events on the Parkway and a "thank you" party at Finnigan's Wake Pub. Master Chief Craig Holubar said he'll take advantage of everything from the fireworks to the Cheesesteaks, after all, this is his last stop after 28 years in the Navy. "It's a vibrant place, pulling in, you can just feel the energy," Holubar told Action News." "I've been excited. This is the way to go out, 4th of July in the birthplace of our nation. I'll tell you it's going to be fantastic."
Free Tours will go through July 5th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be other events at Penn's Landing including fireworks, food tasting and the Ice Cream Festival.
