Honor, Courage, Commitment

At the heart of America are the armed forces that protect and defend our nation. Each branch of the military holds a special place with specific duties and obligations. Salute sharply to all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and each of us as individuals. They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for the freedoms America offers on a continuous daily basis. They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.

October 27 is...

U.S. Navy Day

U.S. Navy Day is the original day to celebrate the U.S. Navy, and though this celebration officially was replaced by Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May for the U.S.) in 1949, the celebrations of Navy Day continue on, especially within the Navy itself. Additionally, research undertaken in the 1970s showed the ‘true’ birthday of the US Navy to be October 13th, and the date was officially changed – however, the entrenched celebration still holds sway, and October 27th is generally celebrated instead.

A Bit of History...

Throughout its history, the Navy has successfully met all its challenges. America's naval service began during the American Revolution, when on Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized a few small ships, thus, creating the Continental Navy. Esek Hopkins was appointed commander in chief and 22 officers were commissioned, including John Paul Jones. 

The Navy League of the United States organized the first Navy Day in 1922. The 27th October was suggested as a date to recognize the birthday of one of the Navy’s supporters who was Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1897, Theodore Roosevelt. This is also the anniversary of a 1775 report issued by a special committee of the Continental Congress favoring the purchase of merchant ships as the foundation of an American Navy. Before 1949 the U.S. Navy would send its ships to various ports for Navy Day, with 1945 having a large celebration; the President at the time (President Harry S. Truman) reviewed the fleet in the New York Harbor, and there are pictures of ships docked along the Hudson River for the celebrations.

Navy Day was last officially observed on October 27, 1949 when Louis A. Johnson directed that the U.S. Navy’s participation in such events would occur in May, on Armed Forces Day. He was the secretary of the newly created Department of Defense.

The Navy League was not affected by this decision as it is a Civilian Organization and they continued to organize events as before.

 These are the CORE VALUES of the United States Navy.

The American Flag and Navy Flag are flying honorably at the grave site of my dad. 

He served in the Navy and was on active duty during World War II at Iwo Jima.

Chester Clyde Lee, U.S. Navy
Nov 12, 1916 - July 17, 1997

 An honorable salute is also extended on this day to my husband, Jim, who is a U.S. Navy veteran. Thank you for your service, support and dedication to America. A humble recognition but from the heart!

 

Do you know the code by which Our Flag is flown?