Introduced by the Navy League of the United States on October 27, 1922, Navy Day was established to honor the contributions and service of the men and women of the U.S. Navy.
Unfortunately, many U.S. Navy veterans are at risk of mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer caused only by repeated asbestos exposure.
History of Navy Day in America
Navy Day’s commemoration date was strategically selected in celebration of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was born on October 27, 1858. Prior to his two-term presidency, America’s 26th president had served as an Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Interestingly, October 27 marks another significance in the history of the U.S. Navy. On that day in 1775, a special committee of the Continental Congress documented their interest in purchasing merchant ships in an attempt to create the American Navy.
Although the day never became known as an official holiday, it was nationally recognized by America’s 29th president, Warren Harding.
U.S. Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma: Asbestos in Ships and Shipyards
Because of the nature of their work, particularly in shipyards, U.S. Navy veterans experience the highest risk of mesothelioma compared to veterans from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
For centuries, asbestos was considered a miracle mineral, an organic substance deemed valuable for being fire-resistant and waterproof. Because of these seemingly positive features, asbestos was commonly used in many industries, including the military.
Between 1940 and the 1970s, more than 300 asbestos-laced products were used by the U.S. Navy. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published in a 1994 ruling that all ships delivered prior to 1975 contained insulation materials that were contaminated with asbestos.
Asbestos-containing products aboard U.S. Navy ships included:
- Adhesives
- Boilers
- Cables
- Deck coverings
- Grinders
- Pipe coverings
- Tubes
- Valves
As a result, 33% of all mesothelioma diagnoses involve U.S. Navy or shipyard exposure.
Celebrating Navy Day 2022
If you would like to get involved in commemorating Navy Day 2022, there are a few impactful ways to get involved and make a positive difference:
- Donate to a cause related to veterans health. Nonprofit organizations like the Veterans Health Foundation provide financial support for education and research programs connected to veterans’ health issues.
- Volunteer to spend time with a veteran. Some charity organizations help connect civilian volunteers with veterans by directing them to volunteer at veterans-specific facilities. For example, the nonprofit organization DAV can help you volunteer at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.
- Thank a Veteran. Whether through a phone call, digital message, greeting card, or in-person visit, thank the veterans in your life for their service.
Are You a Veteran Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, asbestos attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy may be able to help you pursue financial compensation.
As a national asbestos law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped thousands of patients and family members across the country get the compensation they needed for treatment.
We’ve recovered more than $9.3 billion in mesothelioma settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Get a free legal consultation today to explore your options.
