Army kicks off first-of-many 239th birthday events

WASHINGTON (June 8, 2014) -- Senior Army leaders held the first-of-many ceremonies scheduled around the world commemorating the Army's 239th birthday, which is June 14, and celebrated this year's theme--"America's Army: Our Profession."

Under Secretary of the Army Brad Carson delivered the keynote address during an event held Friday, sponsored by the National Defense University, and conducted in the historic Roosevelt Hall Rotunda at the National War College on Fort Lesley J. McNair. Carson commented how Soldiers today continue the service to our nation at the same level of selfless dedication once provided by those Soldiers from the "Greatest Generation," during World War II.

Throughout the ceremony, Carson spoke on the idea of looking forward, while also reflecting on the past and the sacrifices made in the last 239 years.

"Our beginnings in 1775 may have been humble, but even then and certainly ever since, our Army has influenced the nation and the world," said Carson. "We have come from a small national force consisting of state militias with citizen Soldiers, to a force of 89 divisions in 1944, which liberated the nation's of Europe then living under Nazi tyranny; to the all-volunteer force that has adapted to the changing face of warfare, and has fought our nation's longest war, during the past 13 years."

Carson added that as the Army manages the change needed to meet the demands of the 21st Century, it is imperative that leaders continue to hold true to Army values, preserve readiness, and maintain trust and confidence with our Soldiers, families, civilians and the American public.

Students and faculty assigned to the National Defense University were present at the ceremony, along with many family members. Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), provided ceremonial support during the ceremony with performances by their Fife and Drum Corps and Drill Team soloists.

Other Army birthday events include celebrations at Bryant Park and Times Square in New York City, June 12-13; the Philadelphia Stripes and Stars Celebration, June 14, and at the Military District of Washington's Twilight Tattoo, at Summerall Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., June 18.

For more information about the Army's 239th birthday go to www.army.mil/birthday/239.