Good Morning Rocket Post Comrades.

  Today, October 13, 2020, marks the 245th Birthday of the United States Navy. We want to acknowledge our Navy brothers and sisters on this special day and thank them for their service and contributions.

  A 13 October 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with "a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress "to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on 30 April 1798.

  In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of 13 October as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”

  13 October 2020 will mark the Navy's 245th Birthday. The central theme of this year's 245th birthday and heritage week will be "Victory at Sea," which encompasses the Navy's efforts in battle during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

  Every branch of our military has its heroes and distinguished personnel who helped to shape and mold their branch and whose names are instantly recognizable. Men like John Paul Jones, who many considered to be the father of the Navy. It was during the American revolution while commanding the Bon Homme Richard (named in honor of Benjamin Franklin) when he engaged in battle with the far superior British warship Serapis and the British asked him if he wished to surrender, that he uttered the famous words, "I have not yet begun to fight”. Eventually, the British ended up surrendering to him.

  To all our Navy veterans, we say THANK YOU for your service and thank you for being a part of the Rocket Post family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAVY!

With Respect and Gratitude,
Mark Kelley Commander
VFW "Rocket Post” 4534
Cell: 321-514-5565
Email: makelley1958@yahoo.com