The men and women who serve in America’s sea services need the support of their fellow citizens more than ever. As this nation is engaged in a “Global War on Terrorism”, our troops need the backing of a strong voice to advocate for the resources they need to fight and win this conflict. The Navy League is that voice on issues of maritime strength and security, and our local council is actively engaged.
The Denver Council is supporting service members in our community by providing “Sailor of the Year” awards to three local Navy commands, presenting an annual leadership award to Naval ROTC students at the University of Colorado, and awarding the ‘Navy League Youth Medal’ to a member of the Adams City High School Marine Corps JROTC.
Our council has joined with other organizations in the efforts to support the morale of our deployed forces by sending packages to reservists in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Djibouti. You can see photos of Colorado reservists and read some of their cards and letters on the news page.
We support instilling the values of patriotism, responsibility, disciple, and leadership in America’s youth through the Lexington Division of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and the Training Ship “Blue Ghost” of the Navy League Cadet Corps. Boys and girls who are between the ages of 11 and 17 are eligible to join the units. We support the organization financially and provide annual awards to the cadets and adult leaders.
A major effort of this council has always been the education of the public as to the requirements for a strong national defense. The sea services must remain properly equipped, and need to recruit the best and the brightest of our young people. Each year, we conduct five general membership dinners at which we invite a guest speaker who has a unique and insightful view on a defense related topic. At the May dinner, we team with the Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Naval Reserve Association, to acknowledge the achievement of local graduating seniors who have been selected to attend the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland or the Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, New York. Navy League dinner events allow for interaction between experts on maritime topics and our members.
Over the past two years, our council has been actively engaged in the Navy League’s “Grass Roots Legislative initiative”, which is aimed at encouraging local councils to make presentations on defense issues to their elected officials. In pursuing the goals of the initiative, we have established ties with Colorado’s Congressional delegation and have made the case for proper funding for the sea services. We have provided briefings to both of Colorado’s Senators, five Representatives, and many Congressional staffers. Our legislative initiative is effective, and highly regarded by the national Navy League organization.
We consider it essential that our youth gain an understanding of the sacrifices that our veterans have given in the course of defending our nation, and an appreciation of the integrity and valor of those who are currently serving. To further this goal, we make presentations of American flags to schools in the Denver area throughout the school year. By including uniformed Navy personnel in these presentations, we give young people an opportunity to meet and converse with members of the armed forces.
If you believe that these goals are worth pursuing, we want you to join our group. The Navy League is a civilian organization, and you need not have served in the military to be a member. Go to the sign on page, complete the membership application, and help to continue the legacy of support to our sea services that has continued for over 103 years.
