Ah, the grand ol’ Navy turning a whopping 250 years old. That’s certainly a milestone deserving of some fanfare, even if the celebration feels like one of those family reunions where you remember all the reasons why you don’t visit more often. In this grand event, the Navy seemed to pull out all the stops. They had inspiring demonstrations, perhaps to remind everyone that the spirit of adventure and duty still courses through our maritime veins—not to mention a good way to reassure taxpayers that their money isn’t just being used to keep admirals in shiny medals.
Joining this aquatic celebration was the President, bringing back memories of his 2018 visit to the USS George H.W. Bush. Apparently, it was so meaningful that it’s still lodged in his memory like a gold star sticker in a third-grade scrapbook. There’s nothing quite like an old aircraft carrier visit to keep the nostalgia flame burning brightly. But one can’t help but wonder, given the President’s busy schedule, just how much remembering he really does. Is it like recalling the smell of grandma’s apple pie or more like trying to remember the Pythagorean theorem on a pop quiz?
The event was all about honoring the “enduring spirit” of America’s Navy—a spirit that apparently includes every mission and every sailor. It’s worth pointing out that the essence of tradition here must really inspire those sea legs. Who wouldn’t be touched by the never-ending push to keep our seaways free and defend the homeland from invisible threats and, possibly, overhyped dangers at sea?
As for the Commander-in-Chief, this was his moment to dive into the heart of patriotism like a synchronized swimmer in a red, white, and blue speedo. A proud American indeed, he’s been known to support the men and women in uniform—a sentiment that is indeed important, as commanders who aren’t particularly fond of their military rarely get very far. Or have an administration that lasts very long without some sort of coup.
In every sense, this celebration was a show of unity, strength, and solidarity. It brought everyone together to celebrate the Navy’s continued success, effective in not causing any diplomatic spills and keeping the nation afloat. The ceremonial splashes made by the President and other speakers surely left the crowd feeling much more secure about the country’s oceanic prowess and the curious consistency of remembering past adventures on old, trusty ships.
