236 years young, Army is strength of the nation

By Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs– June 14, 2011

My, but how the U.S. Army has grown and changed over the years.

At 236 years young today, traces of the Continental Army from the Revolutionary War can still be seen in today’s warriors. Yet there is more than war fighting and humanitarian assistance to the approximately 1 million members of the U.S. Army.

“From the first battles at Lexington and Concord to the streets of Mosul and Kandahar, Soldiers have always defended freedom and epitomized what is best about America,” said Gen. Martin Dempsey, the 37th Army Chief of Staff. “We will remain the nation’s decisive force, the clearest symbol of America’s commitment to freedom and the country’s preeminent leadership experience. We will remain America’s Army, the strength of the nation.”

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed.

“I believe that in many ways, the story of the Army is the story of America,” Mullen said.  “I often talk about how the Army is the very center of gravity for our military — a force that understands the power of ballots as well as bullets, and culture as well as conflict. It’s a force that is able to defeat an enemy swiftly and silently one day and help build a school or dig a well the next — one that has made possible the success we’ve seen in Iraq, the progress we are now making in Afghanistan and the security we ensure around the globe.”

Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler paid tribute to those Soldiers marking the Army’s birthday in harm’s way.

“Happy birthday to those who make the Army what it is today, the premier fighting force in the free world,” Chandler said. “You are America’s Army, and you are Army strong.”

That really is the heart of why we continue to observe the Army’s birthday. True, we celebrate a magnificent organization, but that organization is nothing without the men and women who make up its ranks — what Adm. Mullen calls “the flesh and blood of the Army.”

“One of my greatest privileges over the last four years has been getting to know them and their families,” he said. “To every Army Soldier and civilian, family member and veteran, thank you for your service. I salute each of you for the difference you make for our nation and for the world.”

How will you observe the Army’s birthday?

Information for today’s blog provided by Army News Service and DoD Live.