Companions,

I wish you and yours all the best for a joyous, grateful Thanksgiving this week.

We humans have a tendency to focus on life’s challenges. I encourage each of you to take a few moments during the holiday to reflect on the countless reasons we have for gratitude.

Consider including the fact that we are companions of the Naval Order of the United States. As companions we have a unique extended family of colleagues with whom we share a history of service to our country. We have either responded to the call or have parents, grandparents, or spouses who have. Our companionship spans religious, cultural, and even political differences. Perhaps, in these days of increasing societal atomization, we have an opportunity to promote both our fellow citizens’ awareness of U.S. maritime history and model collegiality despite our various world views.

CG sends

Frederick J. Passman, PhD, CMFS, FASTM, FSTLE
CAPT USN (Ret)
Commander General, Naval Order of the United States