US Army Birthday -- 230 Years of Service

Flag Day. The US Army Birthday. What a combination. What and accomplishment. 230 years of service. The Continental Army was formed before the Declaration of Independence.

The creation of a Continental Army was probably the most significant achievemt of the Continental Congress, who voted to adopt it on June 14, 1775—the accepted birthday of the U.S. Army. It also voted, on the same day, to raise ten companies of riflemen—the first soldiers to be enlisted directly in the Continental service—in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, to march north to join the army before Boston

Out of those ten rifle companies, the United States Army as we now know it has evolved into a high tech, highly mobilized and often specialized organization, capable of rapid deployment anywhere in the world.

While uniforms have changed, the way we fight has changed dramatically changed, the ethos of the soldier has not - Mission First; Defeat is not acceptable; Quitting is not an option; and Leave no man behind. These words have change to the current "Warrior Ethos" depicted below.

Since its birth on 14 June 1775-over a year before the Declaration of Independence-the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our nation. Soldiers have fought more than 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War, to the current Global War on Terrorism. This 230th Birthday is a recognition of The Army’s history, traditions, and service to the Nation, a Call To Duty, 230 Years of Service to Our Nation.

2005 Army Birthday Message from the Army Leadership

2005 ARMY BIRTHDAY MESSAGE

On June 14, 2005, we proudly celebrate the United States Army’s 230th Birthday. For 230 years, the Nation has entrusted the Army with preserving its peace and freedom, and defending its democracy. Since 1775, American Soldiers have answered the call to duty. They are imbued with the ideals of the Warrior Ethos and motivated by an unwavering belief that they will be victorious. Our Soldiers have understood that our Constitution and the freedom it guarantees are worth fighting for. They sacrifice their personal comfort and safety to answer a higher calling: service in the cause of freedom, both at home and abroad.

America is at war, and the call to duty pierces the air once again. Our adversaries have declared war on our way of life, attacked our homeland, and vowed to attack us again. America is threatened, and it is our duty to serve. America’s sons and daughters who are answering the call to duty are engaged in the noblest work of life, protecting our Nation and enabling others to live free.

Today, our Soldiers protect our national interests around the globe, serving in more than 120 countries. Recently, in joint, combined environments, Soldiers helped to rescue two nations from oppression, and liberated over 50 million people. Since then, more than 1 million Americans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many are returning for a second or third time. Our Soldiers understand that this is a struggle we must win. We are humbled by their sacrifices in the service of our Nation. Despite the hardships, and the danger to life and limb, duty calls, and our Soldiers continue to answer.

Our Nation appreciates your courage, your sacrifice, and your selfless-service. This week the United States Postal Service is demonstrating support for our Soldiers with a special cancellation stamp that commemorates our Army’s 230 years of service to the Nation. They are also assisting in the Freedom Team Salute, a program to send an Army Birthday card to every Soldier. We thank the US Postal Service for their role in recognizing the service of our troops. They are joined by a host of organizations around the country celebrating the Army Birthday.

To our Soldiers around the world, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families on this 230th Army Birthday. You are volunteers, doing your difficult duty against an enemy who does not value life, is afraid of liberty, and desires to crush the individual pursuit of a democratic way of life. You are playing a crucial role in the War on Terrorism, and your dedication to this noble effort underscores your determined professionalism and tenacity. We are proud to serve with you, as you place the mission first and live the Warrior Ethos. You have made our Army the most respected institution in the United States and the preeminent land power on Earth. Thank you for answering the call to duty.

God bless each and every one of you and your families, and God bless America.

Signed:

Kenneth O. Preston
Sergeant Major of the Army

Peter J. Schoomaker
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff

Francis J. Harvey
Secretary of the Army

More about the 230th Army Birthday at Iraq War News.
Army Celebrates 230 Years of Defending Liberty.
More about the Formation of the Continental Army here.