Photo By Sgt. Amber Bohlman | Col. David Heath, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Joint Detention Group commander and Army...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY – A united community is when five services come together to honor and celebrate one services’ 240th birthday and the rich tradition that comes with it.
June 13 was a day for celebration; it was a day for the Guantanamo Bay community to honor the establishment of the United States Army.
Black and gold tapestries disguised the plain white walls of the Windjammer Ballroom. Each table was illuminated by candle light, which gently flickered off the silk tablecloths, creating an intimate atmosphere. The transformation was complete as guests entered the room to live music resonating throughout the ballroom, setting the tone for the evening.
“I will tell you; you can see the hard work, the dedication and the commitment, not only from the Army Soldiers, but it was a joint effort from our other services as well,” said Maj. Gen. Phillip Churn, the guest speaker and commanding general of the 200th Military Police Command from Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. “It’s just nice to see that it is a total military celebration.”
The evening continued as any traditional Army Birthday Ball would. The national anthem was sung by Spc. Deedra Ervin, followed by the traditional campaign streamer ceremony and the Posting of Colors. As the history of each campaign streamer was explained, it was affixed to the Army flag.
“It’s the pageantry of the history of the Army, and that’s what was seen tonight during the streamer ceremony with the Army colors,” said Col. David Heath, Joint Detention Group commander and the Army Ball host. “With the 288 streamers, the Army flag flies for each named engagement and battle that the Army has been involved in since 1775.”
All components of the Army have fought and served in one engagement or another, earning their place in America’s history. While most components celebrate the Army’s birthday in their own way, Army Soldiers here are experiencing a rare occurrence, having the opportunity to celebrate together.
“I think one of the neat things about doing the Army Ball here at GTMO is that we have Soldiers from each one of the components: the reserves, National Guard and active duty,” said Lt. Col. John Fivian, 525th Military Police Detention Battalion commander. “To be able to come together on this deployment, and do the Army’s birthday right and actually put the effort into doing an Army Ball is great.”
As traditions are passed down from experienced Soldiers to those just starting their military careers, each is given the chance to see what the time-honored traditions of the Army are all about.
“I think it’s important for all of the young Soldiers that have just joined the Army to learn and understand the traditions that have gone on for the last 240 years,” Heath said. “If we were to stop doing these kinds of things, then obviously the history and the tradition would slowly die out and that would be a shame.”
With each birthday celebrated, traditions continue to be shared, whether it’s the ceremonial first cut of the birthday cake or the singing of the Army song.
“Two hundred and forty years ago, our nation’s leaders established the Continental Army. Today, the Army is the strategic land power of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape, and win against our adversaries.”
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.23.2015 13:01 |
| Story ID: | 167784 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Hometown: | FORT MEADE, MD, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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