Companions,
A greeting to my Band of Brothers on Veterans Day and a special Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps. On this the eleventh day of the eleventh month which was hoped to mark the end of the war to end all wars, we know that the challenges in the world continue! To our commitment to our country, there are few fraternities in the world that can claim the bonds that we have experienced in our careers, no matter how long or short they were as shared experiences do bind us together forever. Whether on a ship or in the field, we have depended on each other through good and challenging times. The often-forgotten members of the Band are those loved ones who waited for our return and supported our commitment to our country and the cause of freedom. That commitment continues for each of us as we revere the history, our traditions, and service of those who have served and as we support and prepare those who are going in harm’s way today. The Naval Order will continue to promote the achievements of those who have served and are serving. It is incumbent on each of us to sustain the torch of freedom through our mission and I call on each of you to do something each day that will promote our military services both past and present. Help us grow through leadership by example!
For the Good of the Order
Bob Whitkop, CAPT USN (Ret)
Commander General