The Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington celebrated the United States Navy's 238th Birthday at a ceremony held at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Oct. 10.
"I miss the camaraderie of being on active duty," said George L. Markfelder, Dept. of Army employee and a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer. "The Navy birthday gives me time to remember and reflect on some of my past adventures while sailing with the greatest navy that has ever put to sea in the history of the world."
Members from all the services and civilians came together for a traditional cake cutting ceremony and a short briefing about the Navy's storied history. The United States Navy recognizes October 13, 1775, as its birth date. On that date, the Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, adopted the original legislation out of which the Continental Navy grew out of.
"The Navy's birthday cake-cutting ceremony is important to all Sailors, as it is an annual renewal of each Sailor's commitment to the Navy and the Navy's commitment to our nation's quest for peace and freedom," said Cmdr. Scott M. Corrigan, JFHQ-NCR/MDW Intelligence Chief. "The birthday cake is traditionally cut with a sword, as a reminder that we are band of warriors, committed to carrying arms so that our nation may live in peace."
Per Navy tradition, the oldest and youngest sailors present at the ceremony cut the cake. Cmdr. Jeffrey C. Brown (oldest) and Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph R. Villareal (youngest) cut this year's cake.
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