This book is about the military Sea Service Mess Night; the Sea Services consisting of the Navy; Marines and Coast Guard. Mess Nights are traditional; time-honored events going back to at least the 18th Century. Formal military dining has historically been a way to communicate; to celebrate special events and a way to promote unity and camaraderie. The Mess Night; although a military formation and a formal event; is also a great deal of fun. Some of today's protocol and script is not exactly matching the past. Today's Mess Night is a bit more regimented and programmed but basically reflects all that was included in the old days and also reflects some of procedures used during the days of sail. This book is written because there are no books on Mess Nights; this is a first. Like many Sea Service customs and traditions; this custom has been handed down from generation to generation unwritten. Scripts and instructions were not necessary as Mess dinners were common. The British Navy can claim a continuous; unbroken tradition and they are basically the providers of the American tradition. They host Mess dinners much more frequently than the Americans do and the entire Navy traditionally celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Americans have no set celebration and also have fewer Mess Nights. Many officers are not even aware of Mess Nights. This is because of several factors covered in the book. Hopefully; this book will stimulate greater interest in this important event. As the alcohol rule for ships rule has been loosened; it is particularly hopeful that shipboard Mess Nights can again become an event. It would be most appropriate to celebrate the event for which the ship is named or to begin the tradition of celebrating Navy Day or other famous event such as those listed in this book.
#129545 in Books 2011-10-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .56 x 6.00l; .72 #File Name: 1421403986232 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Inspiring and challenging book about trauma; racism; and healingBy K PennerJohn Rich's remarkable book charts his journey as a doctor seeking to understand an epidemic of violence among young; urban African-American men. As he begins to interview some of the gunshot victims in the hospital where he works; Rich struggles to separate the complex; frightened; traumatized kids he gets to know from their stereotypes--in the media and even in the language of his fellow doctors and nurses--as unthinking monsters who are to blame for their own injuries. One of the great strengths of this book is Rich's compassion for and willingness to learn from the men he interviews. Never excusing violence; Rich uncovers the unfortunate logic in what is usually seen merely as "senseless." As compelling as the stories that he gathers; Rich's own narrative is inexorably entwined with theirs. As he movingly states; "it is only when we are transformed to embrace the humanity and defend the dignity of these young men...that we will engage them as full partners in our efforts to bring about healing; hope; and change." This is important reading for those in the helping/healing professions and all of us who hope to bring about that change Rich describes so eloquently.15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. excellent resource for teachers and youth workersBy L. GordonAs an educator; I highly recommend this book to teachers or anyone who works with urban youth. It can be used as a text to help students (middle school and up) critically examine issues of race; gender; violence; and inequality. And it can help youth workers develop a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of many young men of color in urban communities; especially since the stories in the book are told largely by the young men themselves.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. read this todayBy reggieThis book is a call to action. The way Dr. Rich places a narrative connecting the cold statistics of violence with real human stories is invaluable. This is an example of the power of physicians working for socials justice and looking at violence as a health issue. Shame on Florida for banning Doctors from talking about guns
