VFW Calabash Post 7288 Celebrates 249th Navy Birthday
By Frederick Walton
13 October 2024 Calabash, N. C.- United States Navy veterans, family and friends gathered at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Calabash Post 7288 on Sunday, October 13, 2024 to celebrate the Navy's 249th birthday, honoring those that served and remember those still serving. Veterans gathered around a birthday cake to hear a short history of the Navy read by post commander Mike Dichiara followed by a moment of silence for their departed comrades.VFW Calabash 7288 Auxiliary Vice President Cathy Milstead led the singing of the rousing Navy song, "Anchors Aweigh", joined in by the veterans and their friends who had packed the canteen for this occasion.
Quilter and VFW Auxiliary Chaplain and Historian Julia Larsen stepped forward with a beautiful quilt wrapped over her arm. Representing Quilts of honor, whose mission is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor, Julia announced that they had recently passed a milestone of awarding over 3,000 quilts in September raising their cumulative total to nearly 400,000 since their founding in 2003. She called forth Jeff Puglisi, VFW Calabash Post 7288 Jr. Vice Commander, and a retired 20 year navy Corpsman who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Jeff’s huge smile betrayed his surprise and pleasure to be chosen for the award as Julia wrapped the colorful quilt around his shoulders.
Joining the group was the VFW Department of North Carolina department Commander, Annie Cummings, a veteran of the Marines. She saluted the Navy veterans and reminded the guests that starting with but a few small wooden ships and growing to what has become the most powerful navy in the world, the United States Navy has been protecting us for nearly 250 years.
"Resolved, That 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...” It was these words from an Oct. 13, 1775, resolution of the Continental Congress that established the U.S. Navy 249 years ago.
Following Naval tradition the youngest veteran, Butch Barsnica, and the oldest veteran, Rich Naldi, were chosen to cut the cake. After the ceremonial cutting of the cake, a buffet was offered to those in attendance.
The VFW Calabash post 7288 welcomes Combat Veterans. If you have served in the U.S. Military, served in a combat zone and were honorably discharged, then you may be eligible to become a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Stop by the post for more information and to join this group of friendly comrades.
