NOTICE OF CANCELLATION:
As part of the government shut down effective October 1, 2013 the USNA band march on Maryland Avenue and musical tribute on the State House steps in honor of the 238th NAVY birthday scheduled on Monday October 7th between 4 and 5:30 pm EST has been cancelled.
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress passed legislation that authorized the deployment of two armed vessels to prevent the British government from supplying its army with munitions in America. At the same time, a Naval Committee was established to supervise America’s first navy, which grew to include 50 ships during the War of Independence. Although the ships were sold and crews released following victory, this marks the unofficial birth of the United States Navy, which became an official government entity when Congress created the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798.
As America proceeded through the wars and tribulations in the early years of independence, a glaring need for trained officers and leaders within the newly created navy emerged. In 1845, Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft helped establish the first Naval School for the training and educating of officers in Annapolis. The original Naval School was housed on a 10 acre campus and included just 50 midshipmen and 7 professors.
In 1850, congress appropriated funds for the school, which led to the establishment of the United States Naval Academy. Over the years, the campus and curriculum grew exponentially. The USNA now occupies 338 acres in Downtown Annapolis and has a student body of over 4000.
Fast forward to 2013 and the connection between Annapolis and the Navy remains an unbroken bond. As the Navy gets set to celebrate its 238th birthday this October, the Naval Academy and City of Annapolis prepare to celebrate with it. Select businesses on Maryland Ave, West St, Main St, and Gallery Row in Downtown Annapolis will offer week-long specials and Navy themed events to help commemorate the birthday. In addition, the Brigade of Midshipmen will honor the Navy with a cake cutting ceremony in King Hall on the USNA campus. Keeping with the time-honored Naval tradition of this ceremony, the oldest and youngest members within the brigade will cut the first slices of cake.
The Navy birthday festivities kick off on October 7 with a parade and concert to honor the city and people of Annapolis, featuring the USNA band. The marching band and ceremonial band will leave Gate 3 on the Naval Academy campus at 4:00pm and proceed down Maryland Ave. to State Circle, where a patriotic themed concert will be held at 4:45pm. This performance marks the start of a week-long celebration that includes events and specials all across Downtown Annapolis.
Here is a look at featured businesses and what specials they are offering for the Navy Birthday. Follow the links for more detailed information:
WR Chance Diamond Jewelers will offer 30% off all in-stock Seiko and Metal CH watches from October 7-13
Reynolds Tavern
Beginning September 27, Reynolds Tavern will be hosting a month long Oktoberfest that coincides with the Navy birthday, including a special “dining-out” party on October 10 with live music, food/drink specials, and live music.
Fun for All Toys on West St is offering $2 off any $20 purchase from October 7-13.
Ann Widener’s Peake House will feature nautically inspired and Navy themed items, decorations, and accessories during the Navy birthday celebrations.
49 West Street Coffee House, Winebar, and Gallery will hold daily happy hour from 3-6pm, Monday-Friday, with 25% off all appetizers and alcoholic beverages. 49 West will also feature $5 select glasses wines all day from October 7-13.
For more information on the Navy birthday celebrations in Downtown Annapolis as they become available, please visit our Navy Birthday event page.
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