BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — Today, Governor Dan McKee will head to Bristol to recognize one of the Ocean State’s most important historical residents.

Governor McKee will open the annual Black Ships Festival, which commemorates commodore Matthew Perry, the South Kingstown-born navy officer who sailed to Japan in 1853, opened the country to trade with the United States, and subsequently, to the world.

Commodore Perry remained so revered in Japan, that during their surrender to the Allies in 1945, imperial Japanese officials displayed the American flag Perry gave them.

Governor McKee will deliver opening remarks for the ceremony at Rockwell Park at 10 this morning.

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