FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Since June 14, 1775 -- more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed -- the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of America.
Thursday, 238 years later, Soldiers past and present battled the Fort Bragg heat and gathered together at the U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command to celebrate the Army’s birthday. About 500 soldiers, employees and family members attend the mid-day ceremony featuring soldiers in Army uniforms from the past as well as displays of historic Army equipment.
“Tomorrow is the Army’s birthday, and today we celebrate two hundred thirty eight years of defending our Nation and her flag that we fly with pride,” said Maj. Gen. Leslie J. Carroll, chief of staff, U.S. Army Forces Command.
Throughout the Army’s rich history, Soldiers have worn different uniforms to fight in wars, each depicting a story, not only of the hardships and sacrifices they faced during war, but more importantly, the heart of the Army – loyalty, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
Our nation’s leaders founded the Continental Army 238 years ago, embarking on a long, noble journey of defending this great country and her neighbors.
“That Army – our Army – fought in battles at Lexington and Concord. Since that day on Lexington Green our Army has survived a Civil War and reunited under the Stars and Stripes,” Carroll said.
“We have faced trench warfare in Europe during World War One, and the battle of Omaha Beach in World War Two. With strength and courage, our Army went through the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam, and the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan,” he added.
In this all-volunteer force, our Soldiers remain Army Strong with an unprecedented commitment to our core values and beliefs. Today, we are not only celebrating the everyday sacrifices made by those past and present, but also the continued strength, professionalism and bravery of our Soldiers.
“For two hundred thirty-eight years, during times of war and peace, our Army has been entrusted to defend this nation, preserve democracy, and defend freedom at home and abroad,” Carroll said.
For soldiers past and present, especially those who have fought in wars throughout the years, their reasons for serving in the Army have a special meaning to them.
“I’ve served in the Army almost 40 years because it’s not only a sense of pride and honor, it’s also a privilege to represent our country and what it stands for, and today, it’s an honor to represent the Army,” said Chief Warrant Officer Bernard Satterfield, maintenance officer, G-4, U.S. Army Forces Command.
The Army remains committed to the readiness, training and advancement of the Total Army through Army initiatives: Ready and Resilient, the Army Profession and Soldier for Life.
“When our nation has called, America’s Army has answered – always. From those first militiamen on Lexington Green to the young men and women conducting foot patrols today in Kandahar, America’s Army has answered,” Carroll said.