The United States Navy’s birthday is a national holiday held each year on October 13 to recognize the establishment of this military branch and honor those who served. 2025 marks a major milestone, with the Navy celebrating its 250th anniversary.
This year, we encourage you to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served, such as U.S. Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service and later developed mesothelioma. Learn how you can celebrate the 2025 Navy birthday and support veterans facing mesothelioma.
When Is the Navy’s Birthday in 2025?
The Navy will celebrate its 250th birthday on October 13, 2025, reflecting the establishment of the Continental Navy in 1775. This day was designated as a holiday in 1972, and it has been a time to honor Navy veterans and those currently serving ever since.
A wide range of activities has been planned across the country for this year’s special celebration, including balls, ship demonstrations, tours, and parades.
Amid the festivities, it’s important to honor U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma. Thousands of U.S. Navy veterans were put at risk of this cancer as a result of asbestos exposure during military service. In fact, one in three mesothelioma patients is a U.S. veteran.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center stands ready to help veterans with mesothelioma support veterans after a diagnosis, from recovering VA benefits to getting treatment. Get a Free Veterans Packet now to see how we can assist you or a loved one.
Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma Risks
Navy veterans face a particularly high risk of mesothelioma because ships, shipyards, and bases all used asbestos from the 1930s to the early 1980s. Most notably, all U.S. Navy ships had to use asbestos during this time due to government mandates.
Anyone serving on a Navy ship may have been exposed to asbestos from:
- Boilers
- Engines
- Electrical wiring
- Gaskets
- Insulation
- Lagging
- Ropes
- Tile
“I asked what material they were made out of and they told me it was asbestos. It didn’t kill anybody on the spot, that’s for sure. It took years later. That’s when it started catching up with us.”
– Walter Twidwell, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
Many U.S. Navy veterans are just being diagnosed with mesothelioma today, as this cancer takes 10-50 years to form after exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, there’s no way to reduce the risk of mesothelioma once someone is exposed.
Navy veterans don’t deserve to face an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma after serving their country. The U.S. Navy Birthday serves as a moment to celebrate the service of veterans and acknowledge the health risks many continue to face.
Happy Birthday U.S. Navy: Ways to Celebrate in 2025
The 250th Navy birthday is being marked by celebrations throughout the country, including parades, balls, and more.
Find ways to recognize this special day and those who have served in the Navy below.
Take Part in Navy Birthday 2025 Activities
The U.S. Navy, veterans organizations, and civilian groups have organized many different events to mark this year’s birthday.
Just a few Navy birthday activities include:
- Ceremonies
- Educational installations
- Navy balls
- Navy band concerts
- Parades of vessels
- Proclaimations
- Tours of historic ships
Reach out to your local veterans groups, museums, and more to find out which festivities are featured near you. Many events will take place on or close to October 13, but additional activities may be scheduled through the end of the year.
Explore VA Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers important benefits to help veterans manage health conditions related to their service, including mesothelioma.
If you have a U.S. Navy veteran in your life, take a moment to check in and make sure they’re getting the care and support they deserve.
Notable mesothelioma VA benefits include:
- Disability compensation typically worth $4,044.91 a month
- Free or low-cost cancer treatments through VA health care
- Survivor benefits, such as help with funeral costs
We can help U.S. veterans file for or maximize their VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Get started right now.
Post a Photo or Share a Memory
Celebrating the U.S. Navy’s birthday can be as easy as posting a photo of a loved one in uniform or sharing a story of their service. Use hashtags like #NavyBirthday and #Navy250 to reach others also celebrating online.
Donate to Mesothelioma Organizations
Many organizations help raise awareness about mesothelioma and provide support to those affected. Donating to them is an excellent way to honor U.S. Navy veterans and loved ones with mesothelioma.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) are two groups that fund research, advocate for bans on asbestos, and offer support to patients and families facing this disease.
U.S. Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma Deserve to Be Honored
Navy veterans and sailors served their country with pride, playing a crucial role in the storied history of our country. On the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday, we’re proud to support Navy veterans and families affected by mesothelioma.
We can help you or a veteran you love pursue:
- Essential asbestos VA benefits
- Extra mesothelioma compensation
- Top treatments from doctors near you
- Support to help navigate life after a diagnosis
On behalf of our entire team, we thank all Navy veterans for their military service. Get a Free Veterans Packet to explore all of the ways we may be able to assist you.
