Commodore John Barry

Congressman Peter King (NY)reintroduced House Joint Resolution #38 (H.J.RES.38) on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2005, recognizing Commodore John Barry as the first flag officer of the United States Navy.

What is needed now is action by the entire current 109th session of Congress (House and Senate) to formally recognize Commodore John Barry as the first flag officer of the United States Navy. 

This historically accurate bill ignores the "rivalry" between proponents of John Barry and John Paul Jones (both authentic naval heroes) for the "Father of the Navy" sobriquet.

Justice requires that Commodore John Barry be officially recognized as the first and senior Commodore Flag Officer of the United States Navy. (Analogous to an act of Congress a few years ago recognizing George Washington as the senior general officer of the United States Army (senior even to Pershing, MacArthur, Eisenhower, Marshall et al.). Resolution H.J.Res.38 will accomplish this purpose.

It is important to note that this proposal is NOT a commemorative, but rather a bill to correct the record to make explicit what was implicit in Commodore John Barry's achievement and in his position (as what we would today call Chief of Naval Operations) in the United states Navy of Presidents Washington, Adams and Jefferson.

Passage of this Resolution is a major contribution in assuring that Commodore John Barry receives his rightful place in American history. To enshrine his place in the Public Law of the United States would assure the perpetuation of the recognition due to this man, to the naval service and to our Irish heritage. Such a measure will also merit the appreciation of Irish people throughout the world.

Although New York State, in 1986, legislated an annual commemoration, and Pennsylvania observes Commodore John Barry Day, September 13, as a legal holiday, there is still some unfinished business which must be completed before there is proper historical recognition of the role of Commodore John Barry and Irish America in the achievement and defense of American Liberty and Independence. Your assistance in this matter is requested.

ACTION REQUIRED.

We need cosponsors for H.J.RES.38 in the House. You can contact your Member of Congress by calling the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to their office, then leave your message with the staff aide who handles legislation (continue with follow up calls).
For information on your Member of Congress,
Click here > United States House of Representatives

Thank you.

Mike Kearney, Chairman
Commodore John Barry
Ancient Order of Hibernians
New York State Board

Your comments please.
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Mike Kearney, Chairman
Commodore John Barry Committee
Ancient Order of Hibernians
New York State Board
http://mygov.governmentguide.com/mygov/dbq/officials/directory/committee.dbq?dir=mygov&command=congdir§ion=committee&type=F&committee=hsecu&print=yes&fcommittee=hsecu&state=