'Big Red One' Soldiers celebrate division, Army birthdays

By Sgt. Michael LevertonJune 17, 2013

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1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Tommy Evans (foreground), Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard, leads a saber ceremony June 11 at division headquarters. The ceremony was a part of division's victory week honoring the Army and divisions birthday. The 1st Inf. Div. celebrate... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – First Lt. Samuel Gulland; Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general; 1st Lt. Christopher Siok; and Command Sgt. Maj. Miguel Rivera prepare to cut the Army and 1st Infantry Division's birthday cake June 11 at d... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Soldiers, Family members and veterans packed the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters building on June 11 to celebrate the "Big Red One" and Army birthdays.

The ceremony was part of the division's Victory Week celebrations to honor the past, present and future generations of the Army and the division.

"Victory doesn't happen without you and it doesn't happen without committed, determined, brave, responsible people being on point for the nation," said Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general.

"This next generation looks up to us and we have a responsibility to live up to their thoughts, their ideas and their expectations," Funk added.

The birthday celebration was highlighted by a cake cutting, a saber ceremony performed by Soldiers from the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard and cake constructed and served by Soldiers from the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Food Services.

The division is celebrating its 96th birthday and is heralded as the oldest division in the Army. Its storied history reaches back to WWI and continues today in the mountains of Afghanistan.

Funk ended the ceremony by reminding all Soldiers, "Be proud of yourselves and be somebody's hero."

The Army's official birthday is June 14, which will mark its 238th year.