Capt. Doug Beaver, commanding officer of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, attended a 100th day of school event at Tarrallton Elementary School in Norfolk, Feb. 17.

Each grade, kindergarten through fifth, presented a banner with 100 items each to Beaver to celebrate not only the 100th day, but also to recognize the 100th birthday of NAVSTA Norfolk.

"Being afforded the opportunity to come to Tarrallton Elementary to speak about Naval Station Norfolk celebrating 100 years of service and correlating it to 100 days of school has been an honor," said Beaver. "All the students, faculty, and volunteers did such a great job at putting this event together, I was very impressed. We will display the banners with honor."

Angela Manning, a school volunteer, helped create the banners presented to Beaver.

"The teachers selected the theme of their banner; the kids colored, put their name on the item, and we placed them on the banners," said Angela. "The kids were super excited to learn that the banners they helped create were going to be hung up at Naval Station Norfolk."

Most of the schools in Norfolk have a large population of military children in attendance.

"Schools have been celebrating 100 days of school for many years to exhibit a halfway benchmark, and there are only 80 days left to go," said Terrilyn Williams, Naval Station Norfolk school liaison officer. "I think it is really unique that Tarrallton is aware of the centennial that is taking place at Naval Station Norfolk, and that they brought the two events together in a banner presentation to the commanding officer of the base.

There were two presenters from each grade to speak about the history of the base, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Beaver's career.

"As parents, we try to incorporate the history of the state into our children's lives," said Casie McNamer, Tarrallton volunteer. "Being stationed here in Virginia with such a rich history really adds to their education. To be able to incorporate 100 days of school with Naval Station Norfolk 100 years of service really highlights the history of the base and this particular area. My husband and I love going to Williamsburg and Yorktown to show them the actual place the Civil War, World War I, and II occurred."

More than 35 events throughout the year will honor and celebrate Naval Station's 100th anniversary. The 41st Harborfest along Norfolk's downtown waterfront will be the City of Norfolk's signature event. The festivities will create a "homecoming" for those who have served at Naval Station Norfolk.

"It's really great being here in Norfolk," said Williams. "Being a part of the history of the largest naval installation in the world celebrating its centennial makes me very proud to play a part of the yearlong celebration."

The installation will have multiple events planned, as well. Events include a throw-back softball game in June celebrating and highlighting the historic McClure Field and the 1943 Navy World Series. In July, the base will be holding an airshow highlighting Chambers Field, and then conclude the year showcasing modern day Naval Station Norfolk with Fleet Fest, Oct. 21.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit http://www.navy.mil/.