5 March 2011

Cape Canaveral, Florida - On a windy day much like that on 10 March 1783, The Bishop Fulton, J. Sheen Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Florida gave salute to a Man of Wexford, Ireland, Cabin boy, Captain, Commodore, Commander of the US Naval Fleet and Father of the U.S. Navy, John Barry.

The 228th Anniversary of the Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida was remembered by Dignitaries, more than 22 units and over 200 in attendance. Florida's AOH Historian Patrick Moynihan and Bishop Sheen Div. President Conrad Osborne (both pictured) led the AOH in review. Osborne gave silent tribute at the monument and a wreath was presented in memoriam.

With the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a wave of Naval and Revolutionary colors and members of the Florida Society of the Sons of the American Revolution as a background and a cappella four part harmony by the Harbor City Harmonizers the life of Barry was recounted.

Author Tim McGrath of Philadelphia gave an account of Barry's life as the son of a poor Irish farmer being born in 1745 at Ballysampson, Our Lady's Island, (part of Tacumshin Parish) in County Wexford and rise to Captain of the Alliance, a 36 gun frigate and leader of the United States Navy. 

While escorting the Duc de Lauzon a sister ship bound for Washington with a hold of 72,000 pieces of Spanish silver dollars Barry, Captain of the Alliance and the Duc de Lauzon  were intercepted off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida by the frigate Sybil of Britain, with two other British not far behind.

The battle with the Sybil by Barry the over-competent sailor, guiding a ship known for its speed and maneuverability left a weary and battered crew of Brits. At one time in the 45 min barrage of cannons Barry held off volley until the Sybil was some "half a pistol shot away" and then shot to the British broadside. The Sybil barely escaped as it retreated with sails flattering, masts in splinters and barely afloat.

During the ceremonies the crowd was given a rare glimpse into one of the US Naval Sea Cadets timeless traditions, the "Pinning Ceremony".

Commanding Officer, LCDR Richard D. Waddell, Sr. and Executive Officer, LT Neil P. Durette presided as Derrick Brown (17) of Cocoa Beach, Fl was raised to the Rank of E7, Chief Petty Officer. CPO is an exclusive fellowship in the Corp. The rank carries with it unique responsibilities to their shipmates who will now look to Chief Brown for direction and wisdom. The responsibilities do not appear in print, have no official standing and are ghost-like, but legendary. The rank is measured by actions and performance with expectations at the highest level. The feeling of pride and accomplishment was felt by all as Brown removed his seaman's white "Dixie cup" cap and don’d the hat of "The Chief". "This is remarkable for us: this is only the second Chief in our almost 30 year history", said EO Durette, "We are very proud of Derrick's accomplishments." 

The event closed with wind blowing a stiff 20knots, a rate that would put a smile on any sailor's face. A 21 gun salute and taps sounded, remembering John Barry and the crew of the Alliance. Looking out at the white capped waves of the ocean from Cape Canaveral, one could easily picture the 6'4" Man of Wexford, Ireland at the helm of the Alliance in defense of the new nation.