Yep, you read that headline right, it’s our Publisher’s Birthday today.
While I know how old our Uni is, I’m going to refrain from any age related jokes, nor am I going to spill the beans. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can ask her yourselves.
So join me in wishing Rogue Unicorn a Happy Birthday MVAP.
Today marks the 248th year since the Continental Congress established a Naval Force to fight the British. The debate over challenging the Royal Navy was a fierce one, but George Washington ended the debate when he commissioned the USS Hannah to raid British merchant shipping.
On 13 October 1775 the Continental Navy authorized the purchase of two small, armed merchant vessels.
It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.
George Washington 15 November 1781, to Marquis de Lafayette
Following the Revolutionary War, the fledgling country couldn’t afford a navy and the last vessel of the Continental navy, Alliance, was sold. The country would be without a navy until 1797, when the USS Constitution, Constellation, and United States were commissioned.
The Navy currently has 251 warships in commission. The newest, just commissioned 7 October, is the Burke class destroyer, DDG 125, the USS Jack H, Lucas. The ship is named for is named for Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Iwo Jima, when he was just 17 years old. Lucas was the youngest Marine and youngest serviceman in World War II to be awarded the United States’ highest military decoration for valor.
Today isn’t just Independence Day, It’s also the site’s birthday. One year ago today Uni and I launched MilVets and Patriots. Our goal then was to provide a space for like-minded people to connect. Whether it was over morning conversation, a quiz or the news of the day.
Since our launch we’ve had 88,702 visits and 1,147,625 page views. Not too bad for a small startup website.
I’d like to thank you, dear constant reader, for coming along with us on this ride. We would be nowhere without you.
I’d also like to thank the team here. AuntiE, Chance, WhyNot, Mack, White Knight Leo and Walt Mow. You have all been a joy to work with and have more than made up for this editor’s faults and foibles.
Most of all I want to thank Uni, because this site wouldn’t exist without her. Here’s to a great first year and an even better future, partner.
As we move into our second year, expect much of the same content that you’ve seen in the past. That said, we are looking for more writers for the site, so if you want to write something for us, please do. Just shoot us a note from our contact page.