FORT STEWART, Ga. - We celebrate the Army's 237th Birthday June 14. For some, it's just another summer day. To others, it's a day to celebrate our beautiful American Flag.

For the Army and the Marne Soldiers, June 14 marks our reason to celebrate our history, our progress and our future. This Army Birthday commemorates the Strength of a Nation.

As we celebrate the Army's proud history, we are reminded that 237 years ago, our forefathers established the Continental Army, beginning a rich heritage of successfully defending this great country, her constitution, and her citizens against all enemies.

Since its birth on June 14, 1775 -- more than a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence -- the Army has proudly answered the call of our Nation. Our Soldiers have fought in wars at home and abroad from the American Revolution to the War on Terrorism to defend freedom, peace and democracy.

At Concord and Lexington, on the beaches of Normandy and Inchon we have fought. From the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq, and from Granada to Kabul and places in between, Soldiers have held ground, stayed strong and made every sacrifice to ensure freedom and liberty prevail.

The Army has not only fought battles, but provided humanitarian support and security to those in need, restoring hope and livelihoods to peoples and nations torn by natural or man-made disaster.

Like any other birthday celebration, we also take time to celebrate our progress. We've come a long way since our founding fathers signed the charter establishing the Army. We've made great strides in our profession, our stewardship, and our innovation.

People are our Army. The Army is the world's highest quality force; all-volunteer; upholding standards of discipline and fitness. We are a profession comprised of trained experts; moral and ethical leaders and Soldiers. The Army is America's sons and daughters bonded together by trust, honor and duty.

We celebrate the dedication and bravery of our Soldiers and their leaders in this noble calling. At their core are the Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. The Nation's freedoms rest in the hands of our Soldiers, Families and Civilians. Their dedication makes them the Strength of our Army.

We are the Nation's force of Decisive Action, ready today and prepared for tomorrow. As the most trained and ready land force in the world, we prevent conflict. We help shape the international environment so our allies are empowered and our enemies are contained.

No matter the task, no matter the environment, no matter the difficulty - America's Army accomplishes the mission. The Army wins.

The Army is also meeting the needs of the Nation. We are not separate and apart--we are also American citizens during challenging times. We are relentless in our conservation of precious resources and we are thankful for your continued support.

Often birthdays cause us to look ahead, and on June 14 we celebrate our future. Although predicting the future isn't possible, we do know that the Army will continue to answer the call whenever wherever we are needed. The Army will continue on the path of continuous improvement, as a versatile force with a breadth of capabilities to conduct the full range of military operations to meet the diverse needs of our national decision makes.

We know there are challenges ahead, but there has never been a challenge the Army hasn't been able to meet, overcome and surpass. The Army will take to the field to win. We are always mindful that our future success is in your hands--the hands of the people we serve.

On this Army Birthday, we remember yesterday's Soldiers and all they have done to make our Nation great. We celebrate 237 years of defending freedom and democracy around the world.

On this Army Birthday, we are grateful as we all continue to support today's Soldiers serving overseas and standing by at home to respond to any call in support of our great Nation.

On this Army Birthday, we look forward to continuing the legacy of Army excellence.

To all those who have served and continue to serve, both at home and abroad ... To their Families who have sacrificed and endured ... To you - our community, and to all who embrace and support them ...

Happy Birthday and Thank You!