The U.S. Navy’s birthday is a national holiday held on October 13th to celebrate the establishment of the Navy and honor those who served.
U.S. Navy veterans have higher rates of mesothelioma than any other military branch. This year, learn how you can support veterans affected by service-related health problems like mesothelioma.
Why Celebrate the U.S. Navy’s Birthday?
The Navy will celebrate its 247th birthday on October 13, 2022.
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized the first observance of the U.S. Navy’s birthday as a holiday in 1972. Celebrated across the country ever since, this special day has become an important way to honor Navy veterans and those who are currently serving.
As part of the Navy’s birthday this year, take time to honor veterans with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Veterans have a very high risk of mesothelioma since Navy ships, shipyards, and bases all used asbestos for decades.
Navy Veterans and Asbestos Exposure Risks
Between the 1930s and early 1980s, asbestos was frequently used by the U.S. Navy as an insulation and fireproofing material. Asbestos-based products were strong, relatively cheap, and thought to be safe. However, manufacturers of asbestos products hid the fact that exposure to this material could kill.
Aboard Navy ships, asbestos-based products were used in:
- Boiler rooms
- Engine rooms
- Galleys
- Navigation rooms
- Turrets
Navy veterans who worked as boiler tenders or fire control technicians are at higher risk of mesothelioma as they consistently worked around asbestos. Navy shipyards were also dangerous since sailors had to install and remove asbestos-based products on a regular basis.
Once the truth about asbestos became public knowledge, the U.S. Navy stopped using asbestos-based products and took steps to remove the substance. Further, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) started to offer benefits for veterans who developed mesothelioma after serving.
How You Can Celebrate the Navy’s Birthday
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma deserve to be honored as part of Navy birthday celebrations. These are veterans that sacrificed for their country and are now fighting aggressive illnesses.
There are several ways that you can celebrate Navy veterans with mesothelioma on the U.S. Navy’s birthday this year.
Here is how you can celebrate on October 13, 2022:
Post a Photo
Celebrating the U.S. Navy’s birthday can be as easy as posting a photo of your loved one in their uniform on October 13. You never know how far a post can go, so make sure you use hashtags such as #NavyBirthday to reach others who are also celebrating online.
Make a Gift
You can donate to a mesothelioma research group directly. The goal of such organizations is to cure mesothelioma, so donations can help fund clinical trials and other research about lifesaving treatments.
Thank a Veteran
Simply thanking a veteran for their service can be a way of celebrating the U.S. Navy’s birthday. Make sure you let the veterans in your life know that you appreciate their service and their sacrifice.
Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma Deserve to Be Honored
We can honor Navy veterans, especially those with mesothelioma, by celebrating the Navy’s 247th birthday and learning about what resources veterans can access.
Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for the following:
- Financial compensation through a legal claim
- Monthly stipends and free health care through the VA
- Payouts from asbestos trust funds
Get a free veterans packet to learn more about these resources. Our team can provide you with the facts on asbestos exposure and see if a veteran with mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation.
On behalf of our Patient Advocates and editors, we thank all Navy veterans for their military service.
