Anita Henrichsen directs the Veritas Advanced Orchestra during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy on Monday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA – A ceremony was held for the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy at the Veritas Classical Academy on Monday in Marietta.

Curated by the Sons of the American Revolution Secretary Jean Yost, the event paid tribute to the birth of the Navy that was passed by the Second Continental Congress on Oct. 13, 1775.

Earlier that same year in June, the Rhode Island Assembly created the Rhode Island Navy which was the first American Navy and consisted of Commodore Abraham Whipple, who would go on to be one of the founders of Marietta in 1788.

The event at Veritas featured an array of speakers from local historians to government officials and retired seamen.

“We’ve gathered here today as a gesture towards those who’ve sacrificed their lives and all of those who have continued to serve our country,” said Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher.

Members of the Marietta Chapter SAR Color Guard and Parkersburg High School Junior Navy ROTC raise the Colors for the Pledge of Allegiance during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy on Monday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the Marietta Chapter SAR Color Guard and the Parkersburg High School Junior Navy ROTC.

Between speakers, the Veritas Advanced Orchestra directed by Anita Henrichsen would perform music and entertainment for the audience. The third and fourth grade students sang “Yankee Doodle” and the fifth and sixth grade students sang “The Yankee Privateer.”

“The Yankee Privateer” tells the story of Whipple during the American Revolution. Henrichsen encouraged the audience to join in and sing along with the students.

Henry Devol, a senior at Marietta High School, spoke to the audience about the history of the Devols and the founding of Marietta.

“Jonathan Devol Sr. and Captain Jonathan Devol Jr. whose lives helped shape not only the maritime story of early America, but also the beginnings of our own communities here in southeastern Ohio,” said Henry.

Anita Henrichsen encourages the audience to sing along during classic songs like “Yankee Doodle” and “The Yankee Privateer” at the Veritas Classical Academy on Monday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

He shared with the audience the history of his ancestors in relation to the city and the anniversary of the Navy. He said these individuals were important for maritime ambition during the early 1700s.

Henry has been working as a tour guide for the past four years at the Museum of the Northwest Territory and Campus Martius.

Roy Campbell who was a third class Seaman in the U.S. Navy from 1983-87 spoke about his experience and why he joined the Navy.

“My fascination with the Navy started at an early age. I remember in the eighth grade I saw a slogan that read, ‘join the Navy, see the world,'” said Campbell.

Campbell said he was assigned aboard the USS Claude V. Ricketts which was a destroyer that operated near Lebanon after the 1983 Beirut bombings. Campbell was awarded various medals such as the Expeditionary Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal during his time in service.

The Veritas Classical Academy fifth and sixth grade music class students sing “The Yankee Privateer” for the audience at the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy on Monday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“I went to about 15 different countries and about 30 different ports while serving in the Navy,” he said. “I’m very proud to have gotten the opportunity to serve my country and to be part of the Armed Forces.”

Campbell currently serves in various veteran organizations like AMVETS Post 1788, the Mid-Ohio Valley Veterans Outreach, American Legion Post 64, and as the VFW District 5 Commander.

He said he was grateful for the opportunity to speak at the ceremony for the 250th anniversary of the Navy.

Local historian Scott Britton shared an overview about the naval history in the area.

“Many Marietta and Washington County veterans served in the U.S. Navy, including my uncle,” said Britton.

Former U.S. Navy Machinist Mate Senior Chief Robert L. Hall speaks at the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy at the Veritas Classical Academy on Monday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Robert L. Hall who served in the Navy and Navy Reserve from 1967-71 and 1975-97.

There will be a ceremony for the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps on Nov. 10.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com