Hey Guys.....IT'S "FLEET WEEK“

The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps., and U.S. Coast Guard have a tradition where active military ships recently deployed in overseas operations dock in a variety of major cities for one week. The crews enter the city and visit tourist attractions. ​

It's the 1950's and we were World War II babies, now 17-18 years old. It was a different time and we were not worried about going into New York City, traveling on the subway, or unusual safety issues. My girlfriend, Marilyn K-P, and I were excited to go to Times Square during Fleet Week. We dressed up. Always skirts or dresses, college-size heels, lipstick, and powder, and were ready to go!

​The fleet was in, and there were hoards of sailors all over New York City. The first stop is Times Square. We laughed, we spoke to them, we joined them in a drink (a drink at that time was a Coca-Cola or a milkshake). We showed them the Empire State Building. 

We did not have cell phones and were unreachable to our parents. But no one worried as we were safe and happy. We met our friends and traded stories with sailors who lived all over the United States and the world. Everyone was respectful. It was about honoring our Fleets, welcoming them, and meeting the “all-American girls” of New York.
 
We explained our education, our life, etc., and listened to young men, off to who-knows-where. They were appreciative and it was all about having a good day. It was fun, and informative and opened up horizons in a good clean day’s events for all of us. We moved on and although approached to write to them, we declined. It was not realistic and we were just a welcoming committee to be stored as memories.
​
Here I am in 2023 remembering. No, I would not allow my daughter or grandchildren to do this now. It is a different world (so sad) and there are many cries of danger, not with the fleet, but in New York City. How I wish they all had known that freedom, but the city has changed.

---

​I love our American values. Please don't change them. My beloved grandson is graduating from Annapolis this weekend. We congratulate him and his beautiful young companions at Annapolis. The famed Blue Angels will fly over the Annapolis Graduation services. So exciting and spectacular! We are so proud of you all! 

It's graduation time, not only at Annapolis but all across the land. Congratulations to my other grandchildren who are graduating, and those who are already fulfilling a work career. 

We respect our constitution, our American Flag, and the young men and women who will be instrumental in developing a better world.
 
And again, IT'S FLEET WEEK.............WELCOME !!!! 
​

---