On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution establishing what is now the United States Navy. It authorized the commissioning of “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American Revolution, the Constitution of the United States (Article I, Section 8) empowered the Congress to “provide and maintain a Navy,” which the people’s representatives did through the establishment of the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798.
As the Nation approached its bicentennial, Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, the 19th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), in 1972 authorized the official recognition of October 13th as the U.S. Navy’s birthday. Adm. Zumwalt and each of his successors as CNO have encouraged celebrations of this historic day throughout the Navy “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”
Last year the Foundation held our second US Navy Birthday Ball. We spent the evening celebrating the Navy’s founding and we were able to raise more than $175,000 for the USSCLF’s mission. This October we are moving to a larger event space to mark the Navy’s 249th birthday with appropriate pomp and ceremony.
Come join us for this year’s celebration on Thursday, October 10, at the Aviator Cleveland in Brook Park. Sponsor tables and general tickets are now available. With only 300 seats, we are expecting this event to sell out fast, so make plans now to join us for another special evening honoring the world’s finest navy!
If you would like to sponsor a table or purchase tickets, please click here.