Navy Day

Navy Day is the public observance that frames Willie Keith’s encounter with May Wynn in New York near the end of the novel. Its ceremony briefly surrounds their private, unsettled relationship: naval music draws Willie into the room where May is singing, and a parade ultimately gives him a reason to leave without resolving their reunion.

Identification and Setting

Navy Day is named directly when Marty Rubin tells Willie that the day’s naval parade is passing along Fifth Avenue. The scene is set in the Aztec Lounge, where Willie and Rubin enter after hearing music through the closed doors. The band is playing Anchors Aweigh, and Rubin jokingly presents the song as a special welcome for Willie.

The setting connects an indoor performance to a larger public occasion. The lounge is mostly empty, with a broad dance floor and green paper palms screening the entrance; May is singing on the orchestra platform. The parade remains outside, first announced through the day’s drums and then made audible as it proceeds down Fifth Avenue.

Appearance in the Narrative

Willie is startled to find May performing, now with bright blond hair. Rubin suggests waiting and asks Willie what he thinks of her appearance; Willie answers that she looks fierce. The brief exchange places his immediate reaction beside the ceremonial welcome of the band, but the song does not turn the meeting into a simple celebration.

The occasion is identified only after Willie has arrived and seen May. When Walter Feather enters and mentions the parade, Willie and Feather face one another. Willie finds Feather’s expression reminiscent of Tom Keefer, a comparison that encourages him; he feels he has matched Keefer. He then accepts Feather’s suggestion to go see the parade, glances toward May, gestures goodbye, and leaves. May watches while holding a sheet of music and barely nods.

Narrative Significance

Navy Day sets a public display of naval identity against the private uncertainty between Willie and May. Willie is a naval officer, and the song and street parade make his service audible and visible; yet the decisive moment is his choice to walk out rather than press May to continue their conversation. The day supplies an occasion and an exit, not a resolution: May remains at work, and their exchange ends with a restrained farewell.