Flag-raising ceremony marks the 242nd anniversary of U.S. Navy

Today is the 242nd anniversary of the U.S. Navy. Mayor Steve Collier and officials commemorated the occasion with a flag-raising ceremony at the Government Center. Grace Eckelbarger sang the National Anthem and OS2 Andre Byrd-French and QM2 Sean Smith, from the Navy Operational Support Center raised the flag this morning. Navy veteran Carl Bordenkecher, who served on the USS Saratoga in World War II took part in the ceremony. Chaplain Terry Long presented the prayer. Prompted by a letter from General George Washington to arm two ships to intercept British vessels delivering supplies to the colonies, the Second Continental Congress approved the armament and established the U.S. Navy.