Photo By Aaron Berogan | Illinois Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Zerbonia, left, the most senior...... read more read more
CHICAGO – The city of Chicago’s residents and tourists joined soldiers from throughout the Chicago land area at the John C. Daley Plaza, June 10, to celebrate the Army’s 240th birthday.
The Army Reserve’s 85th Support Command and 416th Theater Engineer Command were among a few units there joining soldiers from the Illinois National Guard, and active Army components.
The celebration consisted of musical sets from the United States Army Field Band’s Soldier-Musicians of The Volunteers based in Washington, D.C. The music bookended a formal ceremony that included a drill and ceremony demonstration from Gurdon S. Hubbard High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps drill team; guest speakers included Illinois Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Zerbonia, Land Forces Component commander, and Erica Jeffries, director of Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA), and concluded with a traditional cake cutting.
“I am honored to share our birthday with Old Glory,” said Zerbonia.
While the band played, many visitors filled the plaza during their lunch hour and found their groove. It was not an uncommon sight to see people swaying to the music being played, while others visited the various Army displays and climbed onto the trucks, tried on military gear, had their photo taken with a soldier, thanked a service member, or even took a moment to remember those that they had lost in the service.
The drill and ceremony presentations included a demonstration of both the armed and unarmed teams from Hubbard High School. Cadet Lt. Col. Juan Carrillo commanded the armed drill team and Cadet Lt. Col. Denise Campos commanded the unarmed drill team. Both commanders just completed their junior year and will be leading their teams to gain another opportunity at the National High School Drill Team championship where they competed recently.
During the competition the armed drill team received sixth place while the unarmed drill team received 12th place. The commanders were excited to receive the opportunity to show Chicago a sample of their skill on the Army’s birthday.
“It feels amazing having my team out here, getting to perform for everybody, and just doing what I love,” said Carrillo. “It’s actually an honor. I didn’t really think we were going to come out here today. I just want to make everybody proud especially our (senior Army instructor) ... Lt. Col. (John S.) Wargo.”
After the drill team demonstrations, Zerbonia gave remarks to the attendees at the ceremony there.
“It’s an honor and pleasure to be here,” said Zerbonia. “When our nation is called, America’s Army has answered the call for service. Always, from those militia men defending the stars and stripes to the young men and women on foot patrols through Sadr City.”
Zerbonia discussed the decrease in troop strength the Army has underwent recently versus the strength two years ago, but explained that the Army would stay resilient and continue to strengthen its force physically and mentally. He also recognized the Army families.
“Soldiers are a part of an all volunteer force, but our families were drafted,” said Zerbonia. “Our soldiers could never accomplish the daily mission without the support of our families ... the strength of soldiers is our families, and they deserve to be included in today’s celebrations.”
After Zerbonia concluded, Jeffries spoke about the early days of the United States Army, and the challenges that soldiers face not only overseas, but also when they come home. She concluded discussing the IDVA and their dedication to their veterans.
Following remarks, Zerbonia, the most senior Army representative, Pvt. Brandon Logren, the most junior soldier there, along with the Gold Star Families, and all of the cadets cut an Army cake together.
The Army’s official birth date is June 14.
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2015 11:49 |
| Story ID: | 166544 |
| Location: | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 145 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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