Don't Give up the Ship Day – June 1, 2026

Expected Don't Give up the Ship Day Deals

On Don’t Give up the Ship Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to recognizing valor and supporting military families and veterans. Organizations like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provide financial assistance and support to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families. Retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s often offer year-round military discounts that may be highlighted. Brands such as Grunt Style, known for patriotic apparel, frequently run promotions supporting military causes. Additionally, many local businesses and restaurants may offer special discounts or free meals to active duty and veteran service members. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 1 approaches.

History of Don't Give up the Ship Day

The U.S.S. Chesapeake was a naval war frigate intended to carry 40 guns and was one of the six frigates readied under the Naval Act of 1794. The short career of the ship started from the Quasi-war with France in 1799. Without any action since its launch, the ship was assigned to Master Commandant Charles Gordon in 1807.

The first assignment was to relieve the existing ship at the Mediterranean Sea for patrol and convoy duties, but before that, the ship needed a new crew and some repairs. During the recruitment, Gordon unknowingly recruited three deserters from the British H.M.S. Melampus. Historians often argue on whether Gordon knew if he was recruiting deserters, but it certainly was a reason why the British attacked it later on.

In May 1807, the Chesapeake left for Virginia from Washington and, as this news reached the British, a plan was devised to intercept it on the way near Boston. The British ships, led by H.M.S. Leopard, which provided a blockade to French ships at the time, intercepted the Chesapeake at sea. The lieutenant of Leopard asked to search the Chesapeake for deserters, which was refused. The moment the lieutenant unboarded the ship, Leopard started firing at it, as per the plan. In the ensuing battle, the Chesapeake suffered heavily, being unarmed.

After the court-martial of the commanding officer, Captain James Lawrence became the new captain in May 1813. In his initial successes, he managed to capture five British merchant ships using Chesapeake. Within days, he was challenged by H.M.S. Shannon, commanded by Captain Philip Broke. The Chesapeake was attacked from all directions, and the ship became a battlefield as British sailors boarded the ship. In the heavy fighting that ensued, around 72 people were killed, including the fatally injured captain of Chesapeake, James Lawrence. Despite all the losses and his own injuries, the captain remained dauntless and gave his famous orders “Don’t give up the ship,” before finally succumbing to his injuries, after which the Chesapeake was taken over by the British on June 1, 1813.