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Remembering My Sailor Dad
Honoring My Father on this 248th Birthday of the United States Navy
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the construction and administration of America’s first navy. This was, of course, during the American Revolution — and almost a year prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Accordingly, it was not yet the United States Navy, but rather the Continental Navy. Nevertheless…
The Continental Navy became the United States Navy when the colonies declared their independence and status as a new nation. Thus…
October 13 is the birthday of today’s U.S. Navy.
As the son of a Navy veteran, I salute the Navy on their 248th birthday and thank all Navy veterans for their service.
Today also gives me an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of my father — the boyishly handsome young man in the picture above.
The picture was taken in the mid-1960s around the time of their marriage. I came along a few years later. By the time of my earliest memories, Dad was no longer in the Navy. He was, by then, a map engraver working for the federal government.
He had joined the U.S. Naval Reserves as our nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War was increasing. Called up for active duty, Dad served…
