October 13, the U.S. Navy’s 249th birthday, is the perfect day to honor the sailors and veterans who put their lives on the line for our freedom.

The officers of the U.S. Navy are highly skilled and professional. But life in the Navy came with serious risks.

Many U.S. Navy veterans now suffer from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, due to the widespread use of asbestos in ships, vehicles, and bases during World War II and beyond.

Asbestos was heavily used by the Navy to fireproof ships and other vessels. For decades, the Navy — and all other branches of the U.S. military — were unaware that asbestos-based products were dangerous since their manufacturers hid the health risks.

Learn more about the U.S. Navy birthday celebrations and how you can do your part to support veterans with mesothelioma this October.

Celebrating 249 Years of Naval Excellence

The theme for the Navy’s Birthday in 2024 is “Warfighting Strength and Readiness,” which highlights the Navy’s dedication to responding swiftly and effectively anywhere at a moment’s notice.

The sailors who meet the high standards of the Navy face many challenges, from being away from loved ones for months at a time to fighting service-related health issues like mesothelioma later in life.

On this year’s Navy Birthday, we encourage everyone to support the sailors who chose this difficult, dangerous life.

If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, you’re not alone. Our team can help you file for disability benefits and see if you qualify for other types of financial compensation.

Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to explore your options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Why Is October 13 the Navy’s Birthday?

The birthday of the Navy is celebrated on October 13 because it marks the creation of the Continental Navy, which eventually became the U.S. Navy.

On October 13, 1775, early in the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress approved the purchase of two ships to target British supply vessels. The Continental Navy evolved after the war, laying the groundwork for the modern U.S. Navy.

Today, we observe the U.S. Navy Birthday to honor this moment in history and to recognize the service and sacrifice of all who have served in the Navy since its founding.

“Without a decisive naval force, we can do nothing definitive. And with it, everything honorable and glorious.”

– President George Washington

How You Can Honor Veterans & Sailors on Navy Birthday 2024

Active duty service members, reservists, veterans, and their families can all participate in U.S. Navy Birthday festivities. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) encourages a Navy-wide celebration of the occasion every year.

A common way to celebrate is attending the U.S. Navy Birthday Ball.

The Navy Birthday Ball includes:

  • Bell ringing
  • Cake cutting
  • Reading of the CNO birthday message
  • Singing of “Anchors Aweigh”

Several U.S. Navy Birthday Balls are held at different locations throughout the country, such as Washington, D.C., and Florida.

Find Local Navy Celebrations

In addition to the U.S. Navy Ball, the Navy Birthday is marked by several local events.

Some of these U.S. Navy Birthday events include:

  • Air shows
  • Fitness events
  • Luncheons
  • Navy Band performances
  • Navy Color Guard
  • Parades
  • Speeches
  • Tours of Navy bases and ships
  • Walks and races

Connect with local Navy branches or veterans organizations to see what events are happening in your area.

Show Your Support on Social Media

Another way to celebrate U.S. Navy Day is by taking photos and sharing them online to show your support. A simple post with a Navy hashtag and a photo of your pet or loved one can help raise awareness.

Some hashtags you can use on U.S. Navy Day include #NavyDay, #NavyVeterans, #SupportOurTroops, and #USNavy.

Honoring Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma

Among the many threats a sailor faces in the U.S. Navy is one they didn’t even know was dangerous: asbestos.

As the only known cause of mesothelioma, asbestos has caused cancer in many who worked with or near it before the early 1980s. Anyone close enough to breathe in asbestos fibers released on materials may have been exposed.

Veterans were particularly affected by asbestos exposure. In fact, veterans make up about 33% of all mesothelioma cases.

“I asked them what the material was made out of, and they told me asbestos. Nobody ever said anything about it being dangerous.’”

Walter Twidwell, 20-year U.S. Navy veteran & mesothelioma patient

How Were Navy Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?

Seeing the potential of using fire-resistant equipment, the U.S. Navy built its ships, vehicles, and other equipment with asbestos for decades.

Notably, veterans who served between the 1930s and the early 1980s may have been exposed to asbestos on nearly every type of U.S. Navy ship. Others may have been exposed to asbestos in military bases, barracks, and land vehicles.

Some Navy ships that used asbestos included:

Manufacturers of asbestos products hid the health risks of asbestos for decades to make huge profits. By the time the dangers became public knowledge, thousands of Navy personnel had been exposed.

While asbestos is no longer used by the military, many older veterans are still in danger today since mesothelioma develops 10-50 years or more after exposure.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for disability benefits and legal compensation. Download our Veterans Compensation Guide to learn more.

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  • File for VA benefits
  • Increase your disability rating
  • Receive legal compensation

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Diagnosed With Mesothelioma? We Can Help You

On the U.S. Navy’s birthday and any other day, Mesothelioma Hope stands ready to help veterans and anyone else affected by this cancer.

Our team can help you access:

  • The best mesothelioma doctors and treatments
  • Compensation from asbestos trust funds ($30 billion available)
  • Legal payouts worth $1 million or more on average
  • VA benefits (nearly $4,000 in monthly payouts and free or low-cost treatment)

Our VA-accredited attorneys and Patient Advocates are dedicated to helping veterans just like you, and they can answer any questions you have.

Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with our team or download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to get started. We look forward to hearing from you.

Mesothelioma veteran support guide
Free Downloadable GuideVeterans Compensation Guide
  • File for VA benefits
  • Increase your disability rating
  • Receive legal compensation

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Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 16 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
  1. National Today. Navy Day. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://nationaltoday.com/navy-day/
  2. Navy History and Heritage Command. (n.d.). Navy Birthday.
    Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/commemorations-toolkits/navy-birthday.html
  3. Navy.com. (n.d.). Vessels. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.navy.com/vessels.
  4. Oxford Reference. (n.d.). George Washington 1732–99 American statesman, 1st President 1789–97. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191843730.001.0001/q-oro-ed5-00011305#

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