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June 9, 2004
Department of the Army
Washington, D.C. 20310
On the fourteenth day of June in 1775, the Continental Congress established
our Army.
In the 229 years since that day, our Army has proven itself on countless
battlefields as liberty’s best friend and oppression’s worst foe.
Since its birth—over a year before the Declaration of Independence—the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. From winning our new nation’s independence in a tough eight-year fight, to preserving the Union through the tortuous struggle of the Civil War, through the global conflicts of the 20th Century, our citizens can draw great satisfaction from knowing that whenever the nation was in need, our Army answered the call.
Sixty years ago, in the Army’s birth month of June 1944, our brave
Soldiers stormed ashore at Normandy to begin the final thrust to liberate
Western Europe. While that beachhead was expanding, our Soldiers liberated
Rome, made gains against Japanese invaders in New Guinea, struggled
against terrain, weather and a tough enemy in Burma, and reinforced
the U.S. Marine Corps on Saipan. We celebrate our veterans of 1944
on this 229th Army birthday, as we also celebrate the service of our
younger U.S. veterans who fought in Korea,
Vietnam,
Panama, Iraq,
Afghanistan,
and other conflicts.
Today’s Army is the greatest land fighting force in the history of
the world. This spring, we completed the largest troop movement since
World
War II, while continuing our engagement in Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation
Iraqi Freedom. Our Army is serving in more than 120 countries,
conducting missions across the spectrum of conflict from humanitarian
assistance to combat operations. While at war, we are continuing to
change our Army to meet the needs of the current and future strategic
environment.
Our Army is strong, and this strength comes from our greatest asset:
the American Soldier, whose courage, compassion, and determination
have for generations been the bedrock upon which our victories have
depended. In all that the Army has accomplished, and all that it will
be called upon to do, the American Soldier remains the single most
important factor in our success.
We are proud of you, our Army family—Soldiers, civilians, retirees, veterans, and your families, and you are always foremost in our prayers and in our actions. Thank you for your service, for your sacrifices, and for your steadfast devotion to duty. Your courage, dedication, and selfless service to the nation are the hallmarks of the United States Army.
God bless each and every one of you and your families, and God bless
America.
| Peter J. Schoomaker General, United States Army
Chief of Staff |
Les Brownlee Acting Secretary of the Army |
© 2004
Department of the Army. All
opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily
reflect those of Military.com. |
