Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today signed a proclamation designating October 12 as Dewey Day in Vermont, commemorating Admiral George Dewey’s famed return to Montpelier after serving in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
“Today, we remember Admiral Dewey for his lifetime of service to our nation, and his courage and leadership in the Battle of Manila Bay,” Scott said. “Admiral Dewey served Vermont and his country proudly and is a true patriot. While we honor him today, let’s also remember all those who have followed in his footsteps and serve or served our country in the armed services.”
On this day in 1899, Admiral George Dewey returned to Montpelier after a successful campaign at the Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines on May 1, 1898. Upon his return to the U.S., Dewey received a hero’s welcome, including a national tour that ended in Vermont. He was welcomed home by a gathering of thousands of Vermonters to celebrate his service.
Today the Capitol Police, in conjunction with the Sargent-at-Arms Office and the State Curator’s Office, hosted a flag raising event on the steps of the State House to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the “Dewey Day” celebration. Capitol Police previously presented a flag from the crew of the U.S.S. Dewey to be flown on October 12 over the State House.
Further background on Admiral Dewey and the “Dewey Day” celebration can be found at the Vermont Historical Society website by clicking here.
The proclamation can be found here.
About Admiral George Dewey
George Dewey was born on December 26, 1837 in Montpelier at his home across from the State House. Dewey entered the Naval Academy in 1854 and served several assignments during and after the Civil War before ultimately being assigned to attack the Spanish at Manila Bay. Following his victory, the Navy created the rank “Admiral of the Navy” specially for Dewey and he is the only person in history to attain the rank.