On June 14, the United States Army celebrated its 239th birthday. Since 1775, in war and in peace, American soldiers and their families have answered the nation’s call to serve — to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Today we honor that service and pay tribute to the 187 campaign streamers that adorn the Army flag.
The total Army is comprised of more than 1.1 million men and women in uniform, supported by civilians and the families of the Active Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard. America’s all-volunteer Army is the best trained, best equipped, most capable land force in the world. Today’s Army is engaged in the longest period of combat operations in our nation’s history. On behalf of a grateful nation, we applaud the many contributions of our soldiers, veterans, survivors, and their families.
As the 38th Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, often reminds us: "The strength of our Nation is our Army, the strength of our Army is our Soldiers, the strength of our Soldiers is our Families. This is what makes us Army Strong."
Happy #ArmyBDay, Soldiers! Thanks for serving with professionalism for 239 years: http://t.co/XGKQNbvuRR. pic.twitter.com/xB4rSvEB19
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) June 14, 2014
To learn more: http://www.army.mil/birthday/239/?from=ev_st
To join the Army: http://www.goarmy.com
Colonel Steve Parker, U.S. Army, is the Executive Director of Joining Forces.