Every June 14, Americans commemorate the birth of the United States Army, one of the nation's oldest and most storied institutions. This date marks the anniversary of when the Second Continental Congress, meeting in present-day Independence Hall in Philadelphia, voted to establish the Continental Army to provide for the common defense of the colonies on June 14, 1775.
Older Than the Nation It Defends
On April 19, 1775, the Revolutionary War began when British
troops fired on colonial militiamen at Lexington, Massachusetts, transforming
what had been a civil disturbance into open warfare. As fellow citizen soldiers
from New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island responded to the alarm, a
force of New Englanders surrounded Boston and had the British troops who
occupied it under siege, called the Army of Observation.
The colonies needed a force of professional soldiers who
were trained, funded and equipped for extended military maneuvers. On June 14,
1775, in a momentous act of unity and resolve, the Congress passed a resolution
to formally establish the instrument of national defense in the form of the
Continental Army: "Resolved, that six companies of expert riflemen, be
immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia".
On June 15, 1775, Congress unanimously elected George
Washington commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, he took
charge of his Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Remarkably, the United States
Declaration of Independence would not be enacted until July 4, 1776—making the
American Army older than the country it serves.
The Birth of American Infantry
The Continental Congress created a "Corps of
Riflemen" to act as skirmishers and light infantry to scout and screen in
front of the main army in the field, ensuring that the first troops in the
American Army were Infantry Soldiers. The first men to enlist came from
Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These riflemen brought their own handmade
weapons and wore hunting clothes, marking the beginning of a tradition of
American military excellence.
From 1775 until the Revolutionary War's end in 1783, over
231,000 men served in the Continental Army, with upwards of 145,000 additional
men serving in colonial militias that fought alongside the Army. The
Continentals endured tremendous hardships including the harsh winter
encampments at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and Morristown, New Jersey.
251 Years of Service
The year 2026 marks the 251st birthday of the U.S. Army.
Last year's 250th anniversary was a historic milestone. President Donald J.
Trump issued a proclamation on June 13, 2025, declaring June 14, 2025, as a day
in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States
Army. A grand military parade and celebration took place on June 14, 2025, in
Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., marking the first major military
parade in Washington since the 1991 National Victory Celebration.
How Army Birthday Is Observed
Army Birthday is not a federal holiday, so businesses and
schools remain open as usual. However, Army installations and military
communities across the country and around the world typically mark the occasion
with special ceremonies and celebrations.
Traditional celebrations include:
Army Birthday Ball: Many installations host formal
black-tie events where attendees honor fallen soldiers, welcome new recruits,
and celebrate the Army's heritage. These events typically feature ceremonial
traditions, guest speakers, and a reading of the Army's history.
Commemoration Ceremonies: Military bases organize
special events featuring color guards, historical reenactments, and recognition
of soldiers' achievements throughout the year.
Community Gatherings: Army families often gather for
celebratory lunches, dinners, and activities that strengthen bonds within the
military community.
Ways to Honor the Army's Birthday
You can participate in honoring the U.S. Army and supporting
veterans in meaningful ways:
Volunteer at VA Medical Centers: The Veterans Health
Administration operates 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,193 outpatient clinics
across the United States, providing care to over 9 million enrolled Veterans.
Contact your local VA facility to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Visit Military Memorials: Pay your respects at
military monuments and memorials. Notable sites include the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania—where Continental Army soldiers endured one of their greatest trials.
Support Troops Through Care Packages: Organizations
like the USO provide services and amenities for service members. You can send
care packages containing snacks, toiletries, stationery, and nonperishable
items to deployed soldiers through USO centers and other military support
organizations.
Learn and Share: Take time to learn about Army
history and share stories of service with younger generations. Understanding
the sacrifices made by soldiers throughout our nation's history helps ensure
their legacy endures.
This We'll Defend
The U.S. Army's motto, "This We'll Defend,"
captures the enduring commitment of American soldiers to protect the nation and
uphold its values. From the riflemen who marched to Boston in 1775 to today's
modern force, the Army has remained true to this promise for 251 years.
On June 14, take a moment to recognize the soldiers,
veterans, and families who have contributed to this remarkable legacy of
service.
Learn More:
·
U.S. Army Official Site: https://www.army.mil/
·
U.S. Army 250th Birthday: https://www.army.mil/1775/
·
U.S. Army Center of Military History: https://www.history.army.mil/html/faq/birth.html
·
Veterans Health Administration: https://www.va.gov/health/
·
Find VA Locations: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
No comments:
Post a Comment