Throughout the year, certain days are dedicated to honoring the men and women who serve in different branches of the military. One of these observances is U.S. Navy Day, which is celebrated each year on October 27.
U.S. Navy Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the courage of U.S. Navy service members, recognize their sacrifices, and learn more about the U.S. Navy's contributions to our country.
The day also serves as a reminder about the unique service-related health issues veterans face long after their time in the military, like mesothelioma. This deadly cancer is caused by asbestos, a material once widely used on naval ships.
At Sokolove Law, we're committed to honoring members of the U.S. Navy and veterans who are now facing ongoing hardships like mesothelioma.
What Is U.S. Navy Day?
U.S. Navy Day was first observed in 1922, when the Navy League of the United States designated October 27 as a day to pay tribute to the sacrifices and accomplishments of the American fleet.
Over the years, it has also become a time for civilians to observe the U.S. Navy in action and learn more about its history. In some cases, U.S. Navy ships and stations have been opened to the public, with service members offering tours and educational events.
After centuries of working hard to protect our country and fight for our freedoms, members of the U.S. Navy deserve our heartfelt thanks — especially as some U.S. Navy veterans still fight private battles with asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who established the U.S. Navy's birthday, passed away from mesothelioma. He was likely exposed to asbestos during his service.
"I served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. I was a boiler tender the whole time. When I went aboard my first ship, I learned there was asbestos in the gaskets and packing."
– Walter, Firm Client & U.S. Navy Veteran with Mesothelioma
Why Is October 27 U.S. Navy Day?
October 27 was chosen as U.S. Navy Day because it was the birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt, who had championed the U.S. Navy throughout his career.
Before his presidency, Roosevelt served as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy. In that role, he worked to modernize the fleet, improve training, and expand naval capabilities, laying the groundwork for America’s emergence as a global naval power.
Roosevelt believed that a powerful U.S. Navy was essential for protecting American interests abroad and maintaining peace. He famously called the U.S. Navy “the right arm of the United States,” emphasizing its role in both national defense and international stability.
By choosing his birthday for U.S. Navy Day, the Navy League of the United States aimed to recognize Roosevelt’s vision, leadership, and lasting impact on the country's maritime forces.
Who Celebrates U.S. Navy Day?
U.S. Navy Day is celebrated by sailors and civilians across the country, allowing people from all walks of life to take part in honoring the U.S. Navy's accomplishments.
Those who celebrate include:
- Active duty personnel
- Members of the public
- Veterans
Communities near ports and naval installations may also join in the celebrations by hosting special events on or around October 27, like ship tours, ceremonial dressings, and visits from nearby ships.
Why Does the U.S. Navy Have Two Birthdays?
The U.S. Navy observes two important dates each year, which fall just a few days apart from each other:
- The official U.S. Navy birthday on October 13, which was first declared by Admiral Zumwalt in 1972 and marks the establishment of the Continental Navy in 1775 during the American Revolution
- U.S. Navy Day on October 27 or President Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, which was created to recognize the U.S. Navy's accomplishments and honor those who serve
Though observed separately, the two dates both provide opportunities for the public to acknowledge the U.S. Navy's contributions to our country.
Celebrating the U.S. Navy and Honoring All Veterans
While U.S. Navy Day specifically honors sailors and naval veterans, members of the U.S. Navy are also recognized during other national observances that honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Additional military holidays include:
- Armed Forces Day: Celebrated on the third Saturday in May each year, this day honors the men and women currently serving in all branches of the military.
- Memorial Day: On the last Monday in May, communities come together to honor those who lost their lives in service to their country.
- Veterans Day: November 11 marks Armistice Day, which ended World War I. It is a time to honor all U.S. military veterans who served their country.
All military personnel put their lives on the line to protect our country, but some of the greatest risks veterans face today have nothing to do with warzones or violence in the traditional sense.
Exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos can lead to serious health issues, and veterans make up 33% of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States. Such risks further highlight why these men and women deserve our recognition and gratitude for their service.
How to Wish Someone a Happy U.S. Navy Day
U.S. Navy Day is a perfect opportunity to show appreciation for the sailors and veterans who dedicate their lives to protecting our country.
Whether you know someone personally who served or simply want to honor their contributions, there are many meaningful ways to participate:
- Attend local events, like ship tours or ceremonies
- Call a loved one in the U.S. Navy and thank them for their service
- Display an American flag or a U.S. Navy flag outside of your home
- Learn about the U.S. Navy's history by going to a museum or researching past accomplishments
- Share posts on social media about the U.S. Navy using hashtags like #NavyDay and #NavyDay2025
- Support U.S. Navy-related causes by donating or volunteering with groups that help veterans
- Visit U.S. Navy memorials or monuments that honor sailors
This U.S. Navy Day, join Americans across the country in showing support for the men and women of the U.S. Navy.
U.S. Navy Veterans, Asbestos, and Mesothelioma
For much of the 20th century, all branches of the U.S. military used asbestos — especially the U.S. Navy. This cheap, durable, and fire-retardant mineral could be found throughout ships, shipyards, vehicles, aircraft, and military bases. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma to develop decades later.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides resources to veterans with mesothelioma, including disability compensation and free health care.
"Veterans have a right to hold responsible the companies that produced and sold asbestos-containing materials to the military. Filing an asbestos legal claim does not impact VA benefits."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
Many companies that supplied the military with asbestos-containing products hid the health risks. As a result, veterans and their loved ones may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against these companies and seek compensation for their suffering.
Sokolove Law: Supporting Veterans with Mesothelioma on U.S. Navy Day
For many U.S. Navy veterans, the dangers of military service persist long after the fighting is over. Because mesothelioma takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos, many veterans are still getting sick today.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our experienced asbestos attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation and hold the companies responsible for your illness accountable.
At Sokolove Law, we've secured over $5.3 Billion total for mesothelioma clients across the country, including more than $1.3 Billion for veterans and their loved ones.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
