Army Reserve to Celebrate Century of Service

American Forces Press Service

April 17, 2008 - Since April 23, 1908, the men and women of the U.S. Army Reserve have answered the nation's call to service at home and around the globe. Next week, the reserve will mark its 100th birthday with ceremonies in and around the nation's capital. To celebrate a century of service, the Army Reserve will hold a mass re-enlistment on the Capitol Hill steps here and remembrance ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va. Slated to attend the events are Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz and Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie, respectively the Army Reserve chief and senior enlisted soldier.

Kicking off the event at 10 am, 100 Army Reserve soldiers will raise their right hands, once again pledging their service to the nation. Their re-enlistment symbolizes the Army Reserve's commitment to another century of service, according to an information sheet distributed by the Army Reserve.

Following the re-enlistment, past Army Reserve soldiers will be honored at 2:15 p.m. during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Later at the cemetery, current and future reservists will be commemorated with a tree-planting and plaque dedication.

Unlike the component of the past, which served primarily as a strategic reserve, today's Army Reserve is an operational force that plays an integral role in the world's greatest Army, the information sheet states.

"Today's Army Reserve soldiers represent the values upon which our country was founded. They are citizens who are willing to lay down their plows and pick up their rifles when called upon," according to information made available by the service. "They're proud of their service. They're proud to say they're part of the Army Reserve."

Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the military has mobilized more than 216,000 Army reservists. Currently, more than 26,000 of these soldiers are deployed worldwide.