The White Falcon - 29.10.1971, Blaðsíða 10

Navy Day marked 196th year
Wie Navy celebrated its 196th
anniversary on Navy Day, Oct. 27.
Navy Day has been observed
since 1922. The date of October
27 was chosen because it is the
birthday of President Theodore
Roosevelt, who was instrumental
in making the U.S. a first-rate
naval power.
The official beginning of the
U.S. Navy is usually traced back
to Oct. 13, 1775. It was on this
date that the second continental
Congress resolved to fit out two
swift vessels. The vessels were
to "cruise eastward, for inter-
cepting such transports as may be
laden with warlike stores and
other supplies for the British."
Although privately owned and
Wednesday
m
armed vessels had been harras
and engaging British ships bef
this date, this was the first Na-
val legislation enacted by Con-
gress. As such, it was a truly
significant event in the history
of American naval power.
The theme for this year's Navy
Day observances was "True Peace
is a Strong Navy."
"On this Navy Day 1971 we find our Navy faced
with new challenges and responsibilities...our
country has entered an era of negotiations unprece-
dented in history. Our responsi-
bility is to provide at sea a
solid basis of useable strength
from which our representatives
can negotiate effectively. Should
negotiations fail, we must con-
tinue to provide a realistic de-
terrent to war at any level.
"I ask all in the Navy and all
those associated with it, to work
to achieve the full combat readi-
ness we must have if we are to meet these import-
ant responsibilities.
"I proudly join the Navy League of the United
States in deep appreciation of the dedicated and
selfless service of Navy men and women — at sea
and shore — since the days of the great fighting
frigates they have carried out the national policy
with professionalism and success.
"Our country is lucky to have such men and women
in its service."
John H. Chafee, SecNav
"The events of the past year and the portents of
the future have drawn increased attention to the
growing importance of a strong Navy in maintaining
stability and peace in the world,
calls for our allies to shoulder
more of the burden of their own
defense, the need for open sea
lanes of communication and sup-
port becomes increasingly vital.
Our ability to quickly respond to
our nation's international com-
mitments remains a keystone in
our national security.
"This year's Navy Day the]
'True Peace is a Strong Navy' underscores the
that those who would consider aggression must
consider the mobility, flexibility and firepower of
a modem Navy quickly able to answer its nation's
call. The success of our efforts to maintain a
first-class Navy, both today and in the future,
will in large measure determine our nation's chan-
ces forthe 'generation of peace' we all so earnest-
ly desire.

"On the 196th anniversary of the United States
Navy, I wish all hands Godspeed and smooth sailing
in the challenging months ahead."
Admiral E. R. Zumwalt, Jr., CNO
Holiday invitations sought for singles
by Lt. Cdr. Paul Bosworth
Annually, all the Chaplains on
base sponsor and promote a pro-
gram to get the single people,
geographical or otherwise, out of
the barracks and into the homes
of the families that are here,
both on and off base. The cam-
paign centers around the three
holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas
and Easter. The response to this
program in the past has been over-
whelming and its success borne
out by the testimonials of the
single men and women and the fam-
ilies.
The occasion, usually a dinner
affair, is heightened by the hol-
iday mood, the emotional attach-
ment to the significance of the
holiday and by the warmth of
10
sharing expanded friendships. The
single men and women benefit by
getting out of the barracks,
sharing home life fora few hours,
enjoying home cooking again and
being able to talk amongst a fam-
ily and even getting to know the
family's children (if any). The
family benefits by knowing that
ithas brought these things about.
The whole experience is re-
warding for all concerned, but
why do we limit the occasion to
just those three holidays? It
seems logical that if the experi-
ence is rewarding then it would
be just as rewarding anytime
throughout the year. For the fam-
ilies here at Keflavik, think a-
bout it: Isn't it relatively
easy to add another plate or two
at the dinner table or open your
home to another to watch TV or
listen to tapes, play cards or
any one of a dozen things that as
a family you all take for granted?
Surely the guys and gals in the
barracks do not have to be fed to
appreciate your kindness and the
opportunity of sharing home life
with you.
Don't wait for the holidays to
roll around to do "your bit". Be
thoughtful now. Invite the fel-
lows at work, your children's
teachers, the nurses at the dis-
pensary or anyone else you can
think of who would appreciate
ing in a home. Now's the time^^^B
think of others. How about
thinking of others today!
October 29, 1971