13031 "Shore Leave" U.S.N. Sailor on Liberty With Date, 1942-45

The term “Shore Leave” is defined as when sailors got permission to go ashore – to take leave of their ship and spend time on dry land. It is also known as “liberty” because of the freedom it presented. “Join the Navy and see the World” as the recruiting posters said, and far away ports offered exotic sight seeing. Those closer to home were allowed the opportunity to see family and loved ones. Above all, Shore Leave meant a respite from day-to-day shipboard duties, responsibilities, and the “old man’s” watchful eye.