A formal ceremony was held on the USS Orleck to celebrate the US Navy’s 250th birthday.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It was hundreds of people visiting and living in Jacksonville that came out to celebrate the navy’s birthday—they say without the navy and rest of the U.S. Military, we wouldn’t be here today.
“I think it’s great they’re serving our country, they’re serving Jacksonville; this is a Navy city, so I think it’s great,” resident Michael Washington said.
Michael Washington and his family were among the many who gathered to celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday, aboard the USS Orleck, Florida’s only museum warship.
Also their military veterans like John Pifer, joining in the tribute.
“Without them we wouldn’t be where we are right now,” Piger said.
It started with a short, formal ceremony, opening with a prayer and words from retired Navy veterans to commemorate the continental congress establishing the continental Navy on October 13th, 1775, and eventually establishing a permanent standing navy in 1794.
What started with 80 men has now grown to 330,000 actives-duty personnel. According to the U.S. Navy.
The ceremony also included a cake cutting & a live band performance… Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Museum of Florida, Scott Mythen, says why it’s important to honor the Birthday of the U.S. Navy in our backyard.
“It reinforces the pride I have in service, the pride I have in the United States Navy, Mythen said. “It makes me feel positive that the community responds and recognizes the importance of the U.S. Navy.”
And for the people in attendance; they tell us they’re just happy to be a part of another year of history.
“The fellowship is fantastic. Without the other veterans I don’t know where I’d be.” Pifer said.
“I have a brother that was in the Navy, one of my best friends are in the Navy—so yeah go Navy.” Washington said.