It’s not often that two distinctly different spousal careers are officially formally commemorated. More unusual is for the husband’s career to be a foundryman and the wife career a US Naval Officer. Such was the day on June 30th, 2023, when Captain Janine R. Danko, USN Medical Corps, wife of Danko Arlington President John D. Danko, retired after twenty-two years of active-duty service in the United States Navy.
The US Naval officer retirement ceremony uses the ringing of a bell as a symbolic farewell and official ending of an active duty career. Spying a chance to commemorate this honored tradition in a uniquely personal way, Danko Arlington cast a custom bell with CAPT Danko’s dates of service on one side, and the first stanza of the US Naval Hymn ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’ on the opposite side.
The bell was poured in silicon bronze alloy. However, state-of-the-art additive manufacturing (3-D printing) was used to create the special sand mold for the many raised cast letters on the bell’s surface. After casting, the bell, hanger, and clapper were highly polished for use at the ceremony.
Eventually as time goes on, the bell will take on its own natural aged patina. It will last for centuries and will not only commemorate the honor and selfless service of this dedicated officer, but to the timeless bond of love and marriage between husband and wife.
©2026