It's Tuesday, June 17, 1788, on a tiny rocky island at the head of the Boston Harbor.

Two brothers stand at the top of a lighthouse tower, looking out over the vast expanse

of the Atlantic Ocean.

The older brother is a keeper at the Boston lighthouse, the first lighthouse station on

the North American continent.

Originally, the tower was erected to detect enemy vessels.

But today, the lighthouse keepers not on the lookout for a British warship, but instead

he and his brother are waiting for the arrival of a very special guest.

When will we be here?

Any moment now.

Is everything in order?

I certainly hope so.

For days, the citizens of Boston have been hard at work preparing for this momentous occasion.

Boston pulled out all the stops.

Governor John Hancock lent his private coach.

There will be a parade, a city-wide celebration, and a private reception at the guest of honors

home in Beacon Hill.

But the younger brother is not in a celebratory mood.

Not yet.

Right now, he looks concerned.

What do you think he'll make it?

Of course he will.

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