FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 13, 2013) -- The United States Army remains a force to be reckoned with and is one of the most visible military branches to civilians though it turns 238 June 14.

In order to spread the heritage of the Army and everything it stands for, Fort Rucker is holding several events to celebrate the Army's continued strength, professionalism and bravery that is seen in Soldiers everywhere.

"We are very fortunate to be able to provide several special events to help celebrate the Army's 238th Birthday," said Janice Erdlitz, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing director. "DFMWR is proud to be a part of the commitment to our Soldiers, providing them with the opportunities to celebrate this historic occasion."

The 238th Army Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony will be held at The Landing Zone June 14 at 11:45 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. DFMWR officials want everyone to join in the celebration with a complimentary slice of birthday cake.

"The ceremonial cake cutting at The Landing Zone is just one symbolic way of recognizing the significance of this occasion," said Erdlitz. "My only wonder is who's going to blow out all those candles?"

Dueling Piano's Army Birthday Celebration will also be held at The Landing June 14 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Cost is $15 per person at the door. The musical event is described as being a high-energy, all-request comedy piano show. For more information, call 598-2426.

"It doesn't matter if you just love music or being around your friends; we will be doing both during the celebration at Dueling Pianos. I personally like to think of Dueling Pianos as one huge birthday party for the Army," said Erdlitz.

In celebration of the Army's Birthday, patrons of Center Library will be able to check out an extra movie, making it a total of six movies or five movies and one game. The library wants to honor the Army and its Soldiers for the continuous service throughout the years.

"We feel that in honoring the Army and its birthday we are also honoring the Soldiers and their Families that make so many sacrifices for us," said Jacqueline Chappell, Center Library reference librarian.

"Here at the library we want to show our appreciation for those sacrifices by providing them with materials that can help them expand their knowledge, spend time together as a Family and relax," she added.

The Army Strong Triathlon, hosted by the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility, will be held June 15 at West Beach on Lake Tholocco for those wanting to celebrate in a bodily fashion instead of an intellectual one. Cost is $50 for individuals and $80 for three-person relay teams. Shirts will only be available while supplies last. The triathlon begins at 7 a.m. and will last until noon.

FRPFF officials ask participants to "show us what you're made of." The event will include a quarter mile swim, 10.6 mile bike race and a 3.1 mile run. Cash awards will be given to the top overall finishers and the top relay team. For more information, call 255-2296 or 255-3794.

"Being a part of the Army Strong Triathlon is the ultimate hooah event," said the marketing director. "Those who participate in the Army Strong Triathlon are my heroes. The commitment to endure that event is amazing and you must be Army Strong to take part."

These events bring awareness to the history of the Army, and remind people of what the Army has accomplished since its inception.

In 1775 the original 13 colonies did not have an Army. A shared collection of militias from the different colonies fought the first battles of the war.

But the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on May 10 to discuss war matters. One main focus was creating a common army.

On June 14, the Congress approved the creation of the Continental Army with its commander-in-chief being George Washington.

According to the U.S. Army Center for Military History and John R. Maass, the Congress agreed to form a committee "to bring in a draft of rules and regulations for the government of the Army."

However people choose to celebrate, DFMWR hopes to remind everyone of the strength of the Army, its Soldiers, their Families.

"I hope everyone can enjoy the many celebrations offered this year as we celebrate the Army's birthday," added Erdlitz.