CHAPTER 379 - STATE OF DELAWARE - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the 169th anniversary of the date when the Continental Congress received the Bill providing for the creation of an independent Fleet will occur on the 27th day of October of this year; and
WHEREAS, the 27th day of October of each year is also the anniversary date of the birth of the late President Theodore Roosevelt who recognized the need for a strong Navy and is widely credited with being the father of our modern Navy; and
WHEREAS, it is most appropriate that the anniversary date of these two historical events representing the creation of the independent Fleet and the birth of the father of our Modern Navy should be set aside each year as a day on which to honor our American Navy; and
WHEREAS, it is particularly fitting this year that a grateful Nation pay tribute to its victorious Fleet, honor the devotion and heroism of its men, and recognize anew the vital part played by the Navy in winning final victory in the war and guaranteeing our freedom in the years to come; and
WHEREAS, the slogan for Navy Day, 1944 "Your Fleet Guarantees Freedom" should inspire us to greater effort and cooperation, and the appeal to "Buy War Bonds" should receive a patriotic response; and
WHEREAS, the Navy League of the United States, with the approval of the Secretary of War, has designated October 27th, 1944 for observance as Navy Day;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Walter W. Bacon, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby proclaim
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH AS NAVY DAY
and urge all our people to join in this tribute to the officers and men of our American Fleet. I request that the American Flag and our State Flag be flown from all public buildings and other suitable places, and that our citizens participate wherever possible in appropriate exercises and ceremonies in celebration of this important day. The Delaware Daughters of the American Revolution are rendering a very fine and meritorious service to the Navy during this war, and it is with pride and appreciation that I acknowledge their service on this occasion.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Delaware to be hereunto affixed at Dover, this eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixty-ninth.
(GREAT SEAL)
By the Governor:
WALTER W. BACON
WILLIAM J. STOREY, Secretary of State.