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Carrot-Top is now Freedom and Glory — different name, same people, same commitment to you.
On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress decided to send two warships out to sea to fight against the British. In 2025 — 250 years later, the U.S. Navy will celebrate its 250th anniversary.
The Navy is the second-oldest military branch and has helped shape the American journey — from the American Revolution to now. Celebrating its semiquincentennial is a meaningful way to honor the long legacy of men and women who’ve guarded our oceans. Let’s explore the U.S. Navy’s role in U.S. history. We will also look at ways you can take part in a 250th celebration near you.
One of the simplest ways to mark the Navy’s 250th is by flying a flag. Freedom and Glory offers a full line of American-made Navy flags — crafted here, for here. Together, let’s honor and carry forward the legacy of the U.S. Navy.
Why Was the U.S. Navy Established in 1775?
As we honor the Navy’s birthday, it’s worth looking back to where it all began. In the fall of 1775, the colonies were getting ready for war. Battles at Lexington and Concord earlier that spring had already drawn blood, and British troops were moving to crush the rebellion.
John Adams — who would go on to be our nation’s second president — pushed Congress to create a naval force to guard America’s coast. News soon spread that England had sent armed ships toward Quebec, and any doubts about needing a Navy quickly disappeared. George Washington had already taken three small sailing ships and put them to use, showing that the fight wasn’t just on land.
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to create a Navy. From that moment, America had a way to fight back at sea. For the next 250 years, that fleet would grow, evolve, and help carry our young nation forward.
What Has the U.S. Navy’s Role Been in U.S. History?
The Navy has been part of America’s fight for freedom since the very beginning. Let’s look at how it shaped our independence and continued to protect the nation through the years.
The Navy in the Revolutionary War
Without the U.S. Navy, America may never have won its independence in the Revolutionary War. Throughout the American Revolution, almost every colony used ships to capture valuable supplies from the British. While the Army definitely helped, the Navy also provided key support. They stopped British ships from bringing in food and weapons and made it harder for the enemy to move around. Without that kind of help at sea, the Army on land wouldn’t have been able to finish the job.
It was when the French joined our fight that things grew really bad for the British. America had several victories at sea, including the French fleet trapping the British at the Battle of Chesapeake, which kept them from escaping or getting more troops. Not long after, in October 1781, their army at Yorktown had no choice but to surrender.
Disbanding and Reinstating the Navy
The Continental Navy was disbanded after the war because Congress thought it was too expensive to keep. But it was reinstated in 1794 when Americans needed protection against pirates. From that point forward, Navy ships played a key role in keeping our country safe.
The Navy and the Marine Corps
On June 30, 1834, Congress made the Marine Corps part of the Department of the Navy. The U.S. Marine Corps had been created in 1775 to fight on land after traveling on Navy ships. Putting them under the Navy made things simpler — the two groups were already working side by side, so it just made sense to put them together.
In World War II, Navy ships carried Marines across the seas so they could land on beaches, cut enemy supply lines, and help capture coastal areas. Combining the two branches ultimately helped us win WWII.
Aircraft Carriers and World War II
Aircraft carriers also changed the war. They were basically floating airports — big enough for planes to take off, attack across the ocean, and land again. The planes did the fighting, but the carriers made sure they could get there. These historic ships and the people who served on them helped secure victory in World War II.
The Navy Today
Today, the United States Navy continues to secure international waters and support other branches of the Armed Forces, like the Coast Guard. America’s naval presence helps us remain strong in the world and protects us from threats of war.
How to Celebrate the Navy’s 250th Birthday
The U.S. is planning several Navy 250 birthday celebrations to honor our brave Navy. For one week, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will host several events that show how the Navy shaped the American story.
To start the celebration, attendees will enjoy flyovers from the infamous Blue Angels and a parade of ships, where they can watch as numerous vessels make their way down the Delaware River. There are also static displays and ship tours around Camden County, where you can explore the submarine Becuna and the Battleship New Jersey. For those who like getting dressed up, you can attend the birthday ball at the National Constitution Center, which overlooks Independence Hall, the Navy’s birthplace.
For active-duty Navy members and veterans, there’s a special picnic at Independence Mall to honor their years of service. The U.S. Marine Corps Band, U.S. Navy Band, and the Silent Drill Platoon will also perform, which is always a fan-favorite. You can learn more about Navy birthday events at Homecoming250.org.
Can’t attend any official event? Raise an officially-licensed military flag to honor the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps members. U.S. Navy flags pair well with stunning American flags for a patriotic display that celebrates the strength and history of America’s Armed Forces.
Celebrate Our Military Legacy with Freedom and Glory
Freedom and Glory is proud to offer American-made flags. Flying a flag is a simple way to honor our history and the people who’ve defended it, from the military to our own communities. We carry a variety of sizes and fabrics so you can find one that fits your space, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Each flag is built to last, so it can fly strong wherever you raise it.
