“VETERANS COMMEMORATIVES: A DAY IN HISTORY” – The U.S. Navy Turns 242 on October 13

"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'" - John F. Kennedy

On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution creating the Continental Navy. It was during the American Revolution when the Continental Congress purchased and converted a fleet of small ships. Their purpose was not to control the seas against the British, but to intercept the vessels that were carrying supplies to the British army in the U.S.

After the war ended the Navy was disbanded. However, with trade expanding in the late 1790s, and threats of further attacks by pirates, George Washington established the Naval Act of 1794, creating a permanent U.S. Navy. As part of the act, six warships were authorized. While the original Continental Navy had been disbanded, October 13 is still considered the official birthday of the United States Navy.

The Navy has played an important role during the history of the United States. During the Civil War, the Navy blockaded Confederate armies and seized control of the Southern rivers. Although many of the ships were outdated in the 1880s, Congress approved building new battleships toward the end of the 19th century.  After winning two major battles during the Spanish-American War, the Navy continued to build more ships. By the end of World War I, the U.S. Navy had more men and women than the Royal Navy. 

The Navy built several more aircraft carriers and battleships prior to World War II and finally entered the war after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The U.S. Navy played a major role during the remainder of World War II and the defeat of Japan, including the Battle of Midway. At that time, there were more than 1,600 warships in the Navy.

More recently, the Navy participated in the Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf War. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the U.S. Navy was considered the undisputed naval superpower.  With more than 300,000 personnel on active duty and 100,000 in the Naval Reserve, today’s U.S. Navy remains an impressive presence throughout the world.

Veterans Commemoratives (vetcom.com) celebrates the 242nd Anniversary of the U.S. Navy, and proudly honors veterans who have served in the United States Military.

U.S. NAVY CAREER SERVICE RINGS:  Handcrafted in America our Career Service Ring features a sculpted Navy Service emblem and Career Insignia. Each ring is created with a combination of Gold and Silver, personal birthstones, and your engraved initials and years of service.

U.S. NAVY DIAMOND & BIRTHSTONE SERVICE WATCHES: Each watch dial is minted like a coin, capturing every detail of your Service Branch emblem. The two-toned stainless steel dress bracelet is customized with personal monograms and brilliant birthstones above and below the dial. Other personalized options include Navy Career Emblems, and War Service Medals.

U.S. NAVY “NIGHT PATROL” TACTICAL BLACK WATCH:  This unique watch features a large easy to read dial with your Service Emblem raised and polished above a black enamel background. The black case and strong PVC band complete the “Tactical” precision look as a tribute to your service to our country.

U.S. MILITARY MA-1 “BRAVO” JACKET:  Comfort rated to NASA specs, our Bravo jacket is designed for three season wear. Available in gunmetal black or military sage green water-resistant polyester, each jacket is highly personalized with your service branch and optional War Service and American Flag patches.  

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