It’s the best time of year to be living in this Great State. The weather is becoming much nicer, and there are all sorts of Festivals and fall events everywhere. I hope you are able to take advantage of as many as you can.

Speaking of events, we just celebrated Texas Navy Day. It was started when the Daughters of the Republic of Texas designated recognition and took the idea of state recognition to Governor Alan Shivers in 1955. Governor Shivers proclaimed the third Saturday of September to be “Texas Navy Day”. Sponsored the last several years by the Sons of the Republic of Texas, it has been celebrated ever since.

This year’s event took place on the USS Texas and we had nice turnout with a lot of special folks in attendance.

The musical prelude was done by the Deer Park High School Orchestra. I as Commander of the Tom Toby Squadron, was pleased to welcome all guests including our MC Mr. Bob Steakley, KSJ, and First Vice President General of the SRT. He introduced our speaker, Dr. Jesus Francisco De la Teja who gave an informative talk about our early Texas Navy. Proclamations were read from both the Mayor of Deer Park and the Mayor of Houston.

Thanks also to Admiral David Whitaker of the Sam Houston Chapter of the SRT for acknowledging two sailors of the USS San Jacinto for outstanding service. Mr. Scotty Patrick, President General of the San Jacinto Descendants, Admiral Bill Turner, President, Texas Navy Association, along with Bob Steakley KSJ, First Vice President General of the SRT, laid the Memorial Wreath in honor of those who served in the 1st and 2nd Texas Navy.

As always, Admiral Tom Green did a fine job leading the Color Guard. After our Chaplain, Admiral Joe R. Davidson gave the benediction; we enjoyed a nice lunch at the Monument Inn.

Admiral Curt Osborne, Commander