CHICAGO, Ill.-The U.S. Army turned 235 years old on June 14 marking the occasion with a cake-cutting ceremony at the Daley Plaza here.
During the event, Maj. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, commanding general of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command, signed a community covenant with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. The community covenant is a formal commitment of support by communities to Soldiers and families of the Army -- Active, Guard and Reserve.
"This document strengthens and formalizes the bonds between the Army and you, the community, and calls on us to live out our obligations to one another," said Fontaine. "The covenant provides us with a foundation we can build on - more importantly, it represents a sacred trust that commits us to action."
The ceremony included performances by the 101st Rock Division, 85th Army and USO bands, Jesse White Tumblers, and Chicago Junior Reserve Officer Training Command Silent Drill Team. It also served as the end point for the Wounded Warrior Project's Midwest Region five-day bicycle ride.
Those in attendance included retired Army Maj. Gen. John Scully, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for Illinois; U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, from Illinois' 5th District; Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.; Dan Grant, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs; and William Schmutz, community liaison for the city of Chicago.
Following the ceremonial cake-cutting by the most junior military member in attendance, the ceremony concluded with a group participation in the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the "Army Song."
For queries, contact the Army Sustainment Command Public Affairs Office at rock-amsas-pa@conus.army.mil or by phone at 309-782-5421.
For current ASC news, go to www.aschq.army.mil.
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