“As we mark the birthday of the United States
Army, I want to congratulate this great American institution for 237 years of
distinguished service in defense of this country. The proud story of the American soldier is
one of honor, valor, patriotism, and sacrifice in the service of their
countrymen. From those earliest
volunteers who stepped forward to join the ranks of the Continental Army to
those who fought at Gettysburg, in the Argonne Forest, at Normandy, Bastogne,
in Korea and Vietnam, in Iraq and Afghanistan, the American soldier has shaped
the course of world history.
“I am proud of the opportunity I had to serve
in the ranks of the United States Army.
I’ll always cherish those memories of Army life, and the honor I felt in
being part of an extraordinary team.
“For ten long years the Army has shouldered a
heavy burden, fighting in Iraq’s city streets and in the mountains of
Afghanistan. And through it all,
American soldiers stepped bravely forward, marched off towards the sound of the
guns, and gave everything to provide for our security, to give all Americans a
better, safer future. They have done
everything this country has asked of them and more.
“I have been deeply fortunate in my position
as secretary of defense over this past year to have visited many Army installations
and thousands of soldiers serving around the world, including those on the
front lines. These soldiers, and their
families, carry forward the proud and distinguished legacy we celebrate today,
and because of their dedication, the United States Army will remain the
strongest in the world.”
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