FLAG DAY - WE WENT TO A GARDEN PARTY

FLAG DAY - WE WENT TO A GARDEN PARTY

By Andy Weddington

Sunday, 15 June 2025

Without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive.  - George Washington

A home printed sign on the front door directed partiers to proceed through the port side gate to the backyard.

The modest size salt water swimming pool - how fitting - anchored the deck surrounded by tables, chairs, food, and drink (some cheer).

Music at background volume; conversation easy. 

The affair was an open house - come and go. We arrived little more than sixty minutes after the welcoming hour. 

Occasion ...

The youngest of the four (hosts), recent high school graduate, took the forward step - in a couple weeks off to Great Lakes for Navy recruit training. 

Proud parents and widowed grandmother celebrating ...

"Navy Bound" yard sign; flag pole flying our Stars and Stripes and below the Navy flag; blue and yellow balloons and Navy paper and plastic wares completed decor, etc.

We met others. 

One woman made a lasting impression. 

She was draped in three or four strands of giant pearls. 

Her t-shirt: Pearls are always appropriate.  - Jacqueline Kennedy 

Remember, Mrs. Kennedy's first husband was a Navy man. A PT boat skipper during WWII - decorated for heroism. And later Senator then President. 

She told of being a creative and aspiring artist having recently bought canvas and acrylic paints. 

So we had something to talk about. 

Another couple was originally from the D.C. area. 

His father retired Navy. His brother Marine. So we had plenty to talk about. 

Back to the celebrant ...

For a year or so my wife has offered insight and counsel to the new recruit. [Though with only Marine Corps recruit training experience, I chimed in when appropriate with generic comment.] 

By accepting their kind invite for yesterday, a logical circle complete before departure 01 July. 

We talked briefly.

Though Navy JROTC experience, butterflies. 

Good.

There's every expectation of doing well. 

Family is beyond proud. All in.

That matters. 

So, presuming graduation after nine weeks it's off to Pensacola for training. 

Not flight school but something as important - parachute rigger training. 

Then to the operational Navy. 

An adventure of a life time. 

Any advice? 

Yes, ever the challenge ...

in thought, word, and deed be the example of the Sailor you expect. 

All the while in America and abroad, Sailors went about their duty. 

So did Marines. 

DoD's others, too. 

With the Army amarch D.C. streets - parading 250 years, a birthday bash.

Coincidently, our President's birthday. 

And, of course, upset citizens and those not citizens throwing a riot coast-to-coast; some heads deservedly bashed.  

But they merit no more mention. 

Our flag the day's real star; forever may she wave. 

And will so long as recruits like Morgan are decisive - willingly choosing service over self.