Today is Commodore John Barry Day.

Name some heroes from the American Revolutionary War, and men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, and Paul Revere come to mind. But what about John Barry?

Did you know that Commodore John Barry was also a hero of the American Revolution and the holder of the first commission in the United States Navy? Most likely not. But in 1981, President Ronald Reagan designated September 13 as “Commodore John Barry Day.” In his proclamation, President Reagan noted that Barry became a national hero after capturing the British warship Edward on April 7, 1776. He further distinguished himself as a fighter and a seaman.

But according to President Reagan, Barry’s greatest contribution went beyond his heroics and patriotism. He was a “man of great insight who perceived very early the need for American power on the sea.” Barry had the ability to see the bigger picture and what was truly important for this young nation.

The ability to discern—to tell the difference between right and wrong, between what’s important and what’s not—is valuable not only in founding a nation, but also in daily living. In Philippians, Paul urged young believers to understand what is truly important. Why? So that they would be able to live according to Jesus’ standards and values.

There are many voices telling you how to live and what’s really important. Judging from society’s messages, you may be tempted to think that what’s important is to drive the right car, wear the right clothes, and hang out with the cool people. A better place to discern what’s important is in God’s Word and what Jesus has to say.

Be like Commodore Barry today and look for what’s really important.

For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns (Philippians 1:10).

To Do

Stump your friends and family today. Ask them if they know about Commodore Barry. Tell them why he is important to remember.

Also on this day

1788—New York City became the capitol of the United States.

1916—Author Roald Dahl was born today.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.