The Army turned 235 years old on June 14 and Anniston Army Depot, Ala., joined in the celebration with two events that recognized the Soldiers on the installation as well as the civilian workforce\'s support of the military.
During the June 9 Morning Show broadcast, children from the depot's Army Child, Youth and School Services sang "Happy Birthday" to the Army and joined Depot Commander Col. S. B. Keller and Sgt. Maj. Tony Butler in cutting a cake.
Keller addressed the depot's workforce during the show, emphasizing the importance of the Army's birthday.
"This allows us an opportunity to showcase the Soldier support represented by the Soldiers and veterans here on base," said Keller, noting that 30 percent of the approximately 5,000 installation employees are veterans.
Keller said the Army's birthday is particularly poignant during times of war, since it reminds us the Army's primary purpose is to protect the sovereignty of our nation.
She also reminded the workforce the Army's birthday is not simply an event for the men and women in uniform. It is to be celebrated by everyone who assists the Army's mission.
"We have here what I call our citizen Soldier workforce," said Keller. "The civilians here, and our civilians who deploy, are definitely aligned with us and they are our civilian Soldiers. This day commemorates their support as well."
On June 14, the depot held an Army Birthday Celebration for the workforce at CafAfA East. There, Army civilians in the Nichols Industrial Complex were joined by some of the depot's active duty military and 20 Soldiers from the Georgia National Guard's 82nd Maintenance Company, who were here for annual training.
Lt. Col. Duncan MacMullen, commander of Anniston Defense Munitions Center, spoke to the crowd of how the Continental Congress came together to form the Army and how, throughout its history, the Army has maintained an indomitable spirit.
"From the Revolutionary War to our current operations being waged globally, our Army has remained dedicated to our core values," said MacMullen. "On this occasion of our birthday, we would like to thank the Soldiers, civilians and veterans who have sacrificed to make the nation Army strong."
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