It has been said that this hat can be squared, rolled, crushed, fitted with "gull wings" or simply worn as it comes.

It can be used as a flotation device, a sun shield, or even, some claim, as a food dish. With its many shapes and uses, it may be the most versatile article of clothing a Navy man wears. It is -- his white hat.

Emerson said, “For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something.” In consequence, we stand here today to say goodbye – goodbye to a loyal, faithful, and constant companion . . . my HAT.

We gather here this evening – not so much to mourn or grieve the loss of this hat as we are to pay tribute to it.

I believe that there is something all of us want to be, need to be, and ought to be, but only a few are.

A small percentage of us honestly and boldly declare, “I am free.”

Even though we think it’s good and we say it’s right.

Even though we love its benefits, and we defend its value; Even though it’s our right to claim, we don’t, though it’s available to enjoy, we won’t.

It is biblically supported, theologically sound, commanded by God, and desired by man . . . but rare is the individual who fully enters into it with enthusiasm, but my White Hat did.

It is admittedly, a difficult thing to do, preserving and promoting the freedom of individuals as well as this country; to make decisions, to determine choices (even wrong ones on occasions), and to live with the consequences of these actions -- it is risky to promote liberty, but the White Hat did.

And so today, as I follow tradition and example, I bid farewell to this hat and don another, for there is no sorrow.

I feel privileged and honored to have known it. As I gladly accept the challenges of the new issue, I will be sustained in the difficult days ahead by my many happy memories of my White Hat.

May you rest in peace.

A Sailor's Eulogy for His White Hat

A sailor's says goodbye to a loyal, faithful, and constant companion ...his HAT.

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