Today the United States Navy Reserve celebrates its 102^nd birthday. Those 102 years have seen crucial involvement by the Reserve in times of war and have produced leaders and patriots. The Reserve was originally intended only for veterans of the U.S. Navy; however, much like the other branches, war necessitated a change to that policy. Just prior to U.S. involvement in World War I, the Navy Reserve expanded to allow non-veterans to join. And it was a good thing they did.

The Navy Reserve began its existence playing a large role in World War I. More than a quarter million Reserve Sailors served on active duty by the end of the war, including 12,000 women who, during this war, were began wearing military uniforms for the first time.

After that, the Navy Reserve came to play an even larger role in World War II, providing the Navy with 84 percent of its manpower. Reservists saw combat in both the European and Pacific Theaters and produced the highest caliber of leaders. 15 Navy Reservists were awarded the Medal of Honor after the second World War. Five Navy Reservists who fought in that war would become President of the United States – John F. Kennedy (who became an actual Naval hero), Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and George H. W. Bush (who survived despite the plane he was piloting being shot out of the sky).

The Navy Reserve continued its service into the modern era in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. These brave men and women, like our other reserve units, stand ready and willing to fight when needed. Throughout its 102 years, the Navy Reserve has stood true to its motto – “Ready Now, Anytime, Anywhere.”

Happy birthday to the United States Navy Reserve!

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