DAEGU, South Korea--Soldiers, civilians and spouses from Area IV attended the 237t h Army Birthday Ball celebration hosted by the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command at Hotel Inter-Burgo June 9.
Attending personnel included people from 19th ESC, United States Army Garrison-Daegu and other outlining units around Area IV.
Due to the unique make-up of U.S. Army affiliation in Korea, KATUSAs and municipal leaders were also in attendance.
Some of the leaders from Area IV present to celebrate the Army's birthday included former governor of Kyungsangbuk-do, former president of Kyungpook National University, director of Korean Veterans Association and the president of Kukje Dying and Weaving Co., Ltd.
Attendees arrived to the hotel and were greeted by Brig. Gen. Paul C. Hurley, 19th ESC commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert F. Austin, 19th ESC command sergeant major, in a receiving line and then continued with a social hour.
The formal portion of the event began with Hurley's opening remarks, where he emphasized the role civilians have had to play alongside military service members in the making of the U.S. Army today.
"The strength of our Army lies not only in its brave men and women in uniform, but also in the ranks of civilians who support, equip, transport and train our forces," Hurley said.
Following the presentation of the Colors, the color guard decorated the Army flag with streamers dedicated to the various operations throughout Army's history. Soldiers wearing the uniform from the era the streamers were awarded presented their set to be hung from the pole.
Next, the youngest and oldest service members in attendance were picked through a process of elimination to join Hurley and Austin in the birthday cake-cutting ceremony.
Solders then dined while watching a slideshow of various units around Area IV.
After the meal, Mr. Byun Young-do, a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Presidential Order of Military Merit, the Korean equivalent to the Medal of Honor, recounted the war from 60 years ago.
"I will never forget the brave men and women of the armed forces who came from the other side of the globe and sacrificed so much to help defend Korea," Byun said.
The formal portion of the event concluded as dance music began to play and Soldiers began to remove their jackets, some revealing shirts with colorful sleeves and unit logos.
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