Happy 243rd birthday to the United States Navy! On October 13th of every year, we celebrate the birth of the US Military branch that protects our seas. Not to get confused with Navy Day, today marks the creation of the Navy. Let’s take some time to appreciate the Navy by celebrating the importance and history it has given for the past 243 years.
The United States Navy was officially created on October 13th on the year of 1775. Back then the Navy was called the Continental Navy and consisted of intercept ships sent to resupply British ships that were near the colonies. It would take 11 days in the Continental Congress to get created into its own branch after the US Army was founded that same year in July. This branch was helped come into existence by “navalist” who would want not just protection on land, but sea as well.
Like already mentioned the Navy’s Birthday is not the same as Navy Day which is on October 27th. Navy Day was created in 1922 to celebrate all service members that’s been involved with the United States Navy and pre-dates in recognition. The date of Navy Day, as the story goes, to honor former President Theodore Roosevelt which is the date of his birthday. Navy’s birthday is a day of celebration of the creation and importance of the branch as well as honoring those who were or are enlisted.
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt declared official recognition of the Navy’s Birthday to be celebrated. The intentions were to celebrate the start of the Navy and keep thanks to the men and women who put on the Navy uniform. Even though this is considered an “internal” celebration by the Department of Defense it is still an important day within the Navy and the United States Military.
In the early days of the Navy, the branch was used as privately held vessels to incorrectly direct British ships. Back in those days, the Navy was used for a completely different purpose than what it is used for now. It was a lot of “privateers” and other work along the lines of exercising the will of the United States. Now the Navy is used for patrolling the seas, gaining advantage on coasts, and having different landing spots along our oceans for airfare.
Now how is the Navy’s Birthday celebrated? There are many ways this day is celebrated within the United States Navy. A simple form of celebration is bell ringing which is done to celebrate the importance of a person within the Navy but used on this day to signify the importance of the branch. Other ways are cake cutting, the reading of the CNO and SECNAV birthday message, and the singing of Anchor Aweigh.
A simple way in celebrating the birth of the Navy is wearing Navy insignia to honor this branch of service. Whether it is wearing a Navy veteran t-shirt, displaying a shadow box of your earned ranks and medals, or displaying a coin display with coins like the Navy Spinner Challenge Coin are all ways to honor and celebrate the birthday of the United States Navy.
The three core values of the United States Navy that they value are “Honor, Courage, and Commitment”. When celebrating on October 13th with your fellow Navy service members and veterans remember these core values. Also, take time to thank the men and women who protect our seas and give their time and effort to protect our nation within the United States Navy.