Greatness is not a hollow accolade when applied to the men and women of the United States Navy, now or in the past 235 years. A fledgling nation needed a Navy, a reluctant but pragmatic government provided one. When the job of the Navy was done, that same government disbanded it, distrustful of military force.
A nation that relies on the sea must likewise rely on Sailors to protect the nation’s seagoing capability. It was not long before President John Adams realized that the United States would need its “wooden walls” to protect commerce and those who ply their trade upon the sea.
Since that time we have not been without the Navy. Today the men and women of the Navy not only protect the sea-lanes, but also provide support to nations in crisis. Our Sailors serve and sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our Sailors serve ashore in numerous places around the world probably little realizing how much this nation needs them, depends on them and treasures them. It remains a fervent hope that the our citizens recognize this need, appreciate the dependence and value the treasure they have in the service of a United States Navy Sailor.
Happy Two-Hundred and Thirty-Fifth Birthday
