For 250 years, the United States Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom. October 13, 2025 is the officially recognized birthday of the Navy, which was established by Continental Congress as tensions between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain escalated. From its humble beginnings with just a handful of ships to today’s global force, the U.S. Navy has played a vital role in safeguarding freedom, ensuring peace, and responding to crises around the world.
Critical events in the history of the Navy include the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812, the Battle of Mobile Bay when the declaration “Damn the Torpedoes” was first heard, and the Battle of Midway which changed the balance of power in the Pacific during WWII. Six U.S. Presidents served in the Navy: Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and GWH Bush.
Events to honor the occasion include a ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond on October 13, attended by Craig County residents as well as the Governor of Virginia. To learn about ongoing events which also mark the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps in November, visit Homecoming250.org.
The October meeting of Craig Valley Chapter, NSDAR focused on this anniversary, when members offered a resounding “Hip Hip Hooray” at the close of the program which reviewed the history and achievements of the Navy.
The November meeting in turn will recognize the 250th Anniversary of the Marine Corps.
Plans were discussed to mail Veterans Day cards in the next couple weeks and to take gifts collected by members to the VA Hospital. The annual Good Citizen award will be made at a Christmas tea on December 13.
For more information about the Daughters of the American Revolution, contact Tina Crawford at 540-864-6216 or craigvalleynsdar@gmail.com.
-Submitted by Craig Valley DAR