United States Navy Birthday

The Veterans Land Board (VLB) celebrates all those who have served with the United States Navy as it celebrates its birthday. The clever theme this year is “On Watch — 24/7 for 247 Years,” which highlights the ever-ready status of our Navy to protect the United States on the oceans for the past 247 years. The Navy is actually older than the United States!

The Navy was first created by a Congressional resolution on October 13, 1775, which read in part, “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 Revolutionary War, the Navy was disbanded, then Congress commissioned the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798. However, in 1972, the Chief of Naval Operations named the original date, October 13, as the one on which to celebrate the Navy’s birthday. Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration for this occasion, “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”

Today’s Navy is a far cry from the single sailing vessel commissioned in 1775 as it covers most of the world. Approximately 500 ships sail in 100 international ports, many domestic ports and the open ocean. They serve in, on, under and above the sea. Over 337,000 active duty personnel serve in more than 150 specialties.

The VLB congratulates each of these active-duty sailors, as well as all those Veterans who have served in the Navy, on this special birthday. We wish you all the recognition you deserve for your service in this fine Armed Force! We know the Navy doesn’t have an official motto, but the oft-recited “Not self but country” explains so much for these sailors and Veterans. We are grateful for you!

The VLB is happy to provide any needed help for these American heroes. The mission for the VLB is “to ensure that we offer the very best package of Veterans benefits in the country and those of us who work for the VLB strive to meet those goals every day. For more than 70 years, we have had the honor to serve Veterans, Military Members and their families in Texas, and we look forward to keeping that promise in the years to come.” Call 1–800–252–8387, email VLBinfo@glo.texas.gov, or visit vlb.texas.gov to see the different benefits available.

If you are a Veteran, thank you for your service. Click Here to Sign Up to stay informed on your benefits with the Texas Veterans Land Board.