Prize Essay 1972
SECOND HONORABLE MENTION
Perhaps never again will a parade by bluejackets in downtown Long Beach—or any other American city—draw the crowds this one did in 1931. One never sees a uniform on the streets any more. Servicemen who were drafted or enlisted to escape the draft, are regarded as victims. Those who choose to be in, and stay in, are regarded as fools, knaves, or worse.
A civilian, removed by many miles and many years from any participation in, or contact with the Armed Services, coming suddenly upon the pages of the Proceedings, is struck by the feelings of alarm and dismay contained therein over the state of the Navy. The feeling is particularly sharp when one remembers the proud and pre-eminent Navy of not so long ago.
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