Commodore George Dewey Was Born
December 26, 1837
With parades on water and land, Dewey fans celebrated with wild enthusiasm when he made his triumphant homecoming in 1899. How do you describe your hero? In one flowery tribute at a reception put on for Admiral and Mrs. Dewey, an admirer declared, "From out of the din and smoke of battle there arose a colossal figure, calm and majestic, cool and self-reliant . . . a naval hero, the splendor and brilliancy of whose achievement have written on the eternal tablet of fame." The speaker, Josiah T. Settle, also described the New York homecoming as an "unlimited display of loyal affection . . . greater than was ever shown before to any other man." Do you feel this way about your hero?
VIDEO CREDIT: White, James H., producer. “U.S. Cruiser 'Olympia' Leading Naval Parade,” 1899. Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress. Call Number FEC 2892.
