Fort McCoy celebrated the Army’s 244th birthday June 14 with several special events throughout the day.
The day started with a free drive-thru breakfast at McCoy’s Community Center.
Fort McCoy community members could pick from fresh fruit, yogurt, or doughnuts and coffee, orange juice, or milk. Army birthday T-shirts also were given away to community members.
The Commander’s 5K Challenge started at 7 a.m. Participants who beat the commander’s time received certificates, and all participants received T-shirts. Free car washes and bowling were available to Fort McCoy community members throughout the day.
The highlight of the day was the Army Birthday Luncheon at McCoy’s Community Center.
The oldest and youngest Soldiers at Fort McCoy cut the official Army birthday cake. Chaplain (Maj.) Robert Rand, garrison chaplain, gave the invocation, and the 451st Army Band of Fort Snelling, Minn., played live music during the celebration. A free luncheon was served to Fort McCoy
community members, including cake and ice cream.
The U.S. Army was founded June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year, according to the U.S. Army Center of Military History. George Washington received his appointment as commander in
chief of the Continental Army the next day and formally took command July 3, 1775, in Boston.
Garrison Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Sheila L. Coker provided opening remarks at the luncheon, during which she thanked all who serve.
“Whether you are currently serving in uniform, are an Army veteran, … an Army civilian, or you support our brave men and women as a family member, thank you for your service,” Coker said.
Army installations worldwide celebrated the anniversary by hosting special events and celebrations.
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation organized the events at Fort McCoy with the assistance of local sponsors and volunteers.
The installation also recognized Flag Day on June 14 by flying the large U.S. flag at the garrison flagpole throughout the day.
For more information about the Army birthday and branch birthdays, visit https://history.army.mil/html/faq/branches.html.
For information about DFMWR events at Fort McCoy, visit https://mccoy.
armymwr.com.
(Article prepared by the Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office.)