APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II leads a formation of Soldiers during a fun run/walk celebrating the Army’s 248th birthday June 14, 2023.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty, of the U.S Army Communications-Electronics Command delivers a safety briefing before the Army Birthday fun run/walk June 14, 2023.

APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II tells Team APG they are “part of something special,” during his remarks before the fun run/walk celebrating the Army’s 248th birthday June 14, 2023.

(From left) Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty, of the U.S Army Communications-Electronics Command,
Pfc. Vinny Yang, of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command and APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II cut the Army birthday cake before a fun run/walk June 14, 2023.

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.— HOOAH! Team APG celebrated the U.S. Army's 248th birthday with an early morning 5K run/walk June 14, 2023.

Starting at the Post Exchange, the event began with remarks from APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II. He said whether you are a Soldier, a Department of the Army Civilian or a family member, you are part of something special. He added that the Army is one year older than the Declaration of Independence.

"'Be All You Can Be' is more than just a slogan, 'Be All You Can Be' is what this Army is about," he said. 'Be All You Can Be' is what we have done for 248 years."

Edmonson, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty, of the U.S Army Communications-Electronics Command, and Pfc. Vinny Yang, of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, cut the Army birthday cake.

While most Soldiers ran in formation with their units, repeating cadences, some Soldiers ran or walked with their family members.

Maj. Stacey Yarborough, of the 20th CBRNE Command, said she wanted to participate with her family because this is the last event she will attend on APG due to an upcoming move.

"This is our last hurrah," she said.

June is designated as Army Heritage Month. The Army was founded in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of expert riflemen to serve in the American Continental Army.

For more photos, visit Team APG celebrates the Army’s 248th birthday-June 14, 2023 | Flickr