An Independence Day Message from the U.S. Naval Institute View this email in your browser

1944: The Stars and Stripes flutters in the Pacific breeze over the flight deck of the USS Lexington (CV-16). Provenance: Official U.S. Navy Photograph, U.S. Naval Institute Archives 1944: The Stars and Stripes flutters in the Pacific breeze over the flight deck of the USS Lexington (CV-16). Provenance: Official U.S. Navy Photograph, U.S. Naval Institute Archives

John Adams, a founding father, had a hand in shaping our Independence Day celebrations. A day after the vote for independence by the Continental Congress, he wrote his wife Abigail:



“I am apt to believe that it [this day] will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn actions of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”



As we celebrate this Independence Day with bells, bonfires, and illuminations, we recall the service and the deeds of those who have gone before. We give thanks to the men and women of our Armed Forces safeguarding our liberty, operating at sea, ashore, and in the air. We salute the flag of the United States of America.







Peter H. Daly VADM USN (Ret.)

Life Member and Member since 1978