The day opened squally, and sharp gusts of rain swept the decks.

The usual routine of work was proceeded with, and it was not until eight bells (noon) that we fully realized the date.

At exactly midday a salute of twenty-one guns was fired, and those of us who were super-patriotic, took off our caps in honor of the flag.

That ended the ceremony.
"Never mind," said Tommy, when one of the boys bewailed the meagre celebration, "never mind, shipmate.

There's a good time coming when we can whoop 'er up for Old Glory as much as we please.